Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy Treatment

Researchers have been studying the use of marijuana to treat epilepsy. Medical marijuana is a hotly debated topic. Back in 2018, the CDC approved the use of a cannabidiol oral solution known as Epidiolex. The drug aims to treat seizures linked to two epilepsy syndromes. These are the Dravet syndrome and the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in those two years or older. 

This drug represents a new form of treatment for kids with these types of epilepsy. Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved drug meant to treat Dravet syndrome seizures. 

What Does FDA Approval of Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy Treatment Mean?

The approval of medical cannabis for epilepsy treatment by the FDA and DEA brings to the market the first cannabis-based drug for epilepsy. If you have epilepsy, you should learn more about the benefits of medical marijuana. 

What Is Medical Marijuana?

You may know marijuana by several names, such as pot, weed, and others. Most pharmaceutical firms and botanists often use the Latin word cannabis. Marijuana refers to the female flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Medical cannabis refers to the whole plant chemicals or marijuana used for medical purposes. 

Does Medical Marijuana Help Control Epileptic Seizures?

According to evidence from early studies, medical cannabis could potentially help control seizures. That said, research on cannabis-based products takes time and is hard to do. Due to federal regulations and limited access to cannabidiol, this is the case. However, recent studies show the benefits of certain cannabis-based compounds. They can help treat a wide range of conditions, including epilepsy.

Benefits

There is a gradual loosening of laws on the sale and use of medical marijuana. Research on cannabis-derived substances is increasing. Data from studies conducted over several years led to the approval of medical cannabis for epilepsy treatment.

Not every epileptic would or should take medical marijuana or CBD as a treatment option. Studies show that some who live with uncontrolled seizures report several beneficial effects. One of these is a reduction in seizure activity. This is especially true when they use cannabis strains rich in CBD. 

Do you experience drug-resistant or uncontrolled epileptic seizures? If you do, medical marijuana may be an effective treatment option. That said, you need a doctor's recommendation. It can help you gain control over your seizure episodes. This can help improve your quality of life. 

The Epilepsy Foundation’s Position

This foundation does everything possible to support physician-directed care for epileptic individuals. It also aims to explore and advocate for all possible epilepsy treatment options, including medical marijuana. The Epilepsy Foundation supports legal and safe access to medical marijuana as well.

Other Benefits of Medical Marijuana 

• It can help reduce the pain you experience.

• It can help treat a wide range of mental and neurological disorders.

• Its relaxing effects can help you sleep better.

Many people living with epilepsy who use medical cannabis report that it is effective for their mood disorders and seizure control. So, if you experience drug-resistant epileptic seizures, consult your doctor about the potential benefits of medical marijuana.

For more on medical marijuana, visit WellGreen Cannabis at our office in Palm Coast, Florida. You can call (386) 585-4866 to schedule an appointment today.