Finding the right medication to treat epilepsy is the most important step in treatment in general. But not every medication fits well with your body chemistry. Also, some people may feel uncomfortable taking medications. Especially if they are concerned about their side effects.
Unfortunately, research on this topic is limited. Because of legal restrictions on the use of marijuana in many countries around the world, mainly.
However, there have been some studies, that have shown positive results in treating epilepsy with marijuana.
Table of Contents
What is Medical Marijuana?
Marijuana is an effective alternative to traditional epilepsy treatment. It may treat epilepsy as well as other health problems. (For instance, glaucoma and pain after chemotherapy.) Some doctors believe, that the use of marijuana can help patients who need an alternative treatment option. Mainly because it can relieve seizures without causing side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness.
The Role of Medical Marijuana in Epilepsy Treatment
Marijuana has long been a controversial topic. Both in the medical and social community. Some consider it a cure-all, others believe it’s just a drug. But what does science say?
The answer may surprise you.
Marijuana has been used to treat epilepsy since ancient times and it’s not just old wives’ tales. In fact, hundreds of studies have been done on the effects of marijuana on epilepsy and seizures. The results are quite convincing: marijuana can indeed help reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.
The Evidence for Medical Marijuana in Epilepsy Treatment
Since 1996, there have been many studies showed that marijuana can be effective in treating epilepsy. What’s more, a study published in 2017 found, that about half of the participants had fewer seizures after using medical marijuana. A 2017 review proved CBD to be effective in reducing seizures with both Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These two types of epilepsy that are difficult to treat with conventional AEDs. Another study published in 2018 found that CBD was effective in reducing seizures in patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. That is another type of epilepsy that is resistant to AEDs.
The active ingredients in marijuana are called cannabinoids. They can alter the functioning of certain systems in the body, which can help reduce or completely eliminate epileptic seizures if you’re willing to try it!
Conclusion
To sum up, medical marijuana has emerged as a potential treatment option for epilepsy. It may be effective in reducing seizures. Also it is improving the quality of life for epilepsy patients. For those, who do not respond to traditional treatments in the first place. It may also reduce the seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a rare form of severe childhood epilepsy). Even hemp thc gummies can help people with Dravet syndrome (another rare form of severe childhood epilepsy). Lots of evidence suggests that medical marijuana may be effective to treat epilepsy. Although there is still much debate surrounding this issue. Additional research can help us better understand the potential benefits and risks.