Cannabis Can Help Children with Seizures
Cannabis has been a controversial topic for many years, but recent research has shown that it can have a positive impact on children with seizures. In fact, cannabis has been shown to be an effective treatment for children with epilepsy who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. It affects over 50 million people worldwide, with children being particularly vulnerable. Traditional treatments for epilepsy include medications such as anticonvulsants, but these medications can have serious side effects and may not work for all patients.
Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, which have been shown to have anticonvulsant properties. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use, while CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects.
Studies have shown that CBD can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in children with epilepsy. In fact, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CBD reduced the frequency of seizures by 23% in children with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.
CBD has also been shown to be effective in treating other forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. In addition, CBD has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in children, with few side effects.
While cannabis is still illegal at the federal level in the United States, many states have legalized medical cannabis for certain conditions, including epilepsy. However, it can be difficult for parents to access medical cannabis for their children, as it is not covered by insurance and can be expensive.
One of the most famous cases of cannabis helping a child with seizures is that of Charlotte Figi. Charlotte was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome at the age of three months and suffered from up to 300 seizures a week. Her parents tried every medication available, but nothing worked. They eventually turned to cannabis and found that a strain high in CBD and low in THC (the compound that causes the “high” associated with cannabis) significantly reduced Charlotte’s seizures. Her story inspired the creation of the Charlotte’s Web strain of cannabis, which is now used to treat children with epilepsy.
It is important to note that cannabis should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional. While CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with other medications and may have side effects such as drowsiness and diarrhea. Additionally, cannabis is not legal in all states and countries, so it is important to check local laws before using it.
Cannabis can be a lifesaver for children with seizures. While it is not a cure, it can significantly improve the quality of life for those with epilepsy. As more research is conducted, it is likely that we will learn even more about the potential benefits of cannabis for medical purposes.
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Author: Alli Isles
From a young age, I was always curious about the world around me. I loved exploring nature and learning about different plants and their medicinal properties. Little did I know that this curiosity would lead me down a path of becoming an expert in cannabis research and writing. Growing up in a small town, I was always fascinated by the stories my grandfather would tell me about his experiences with cannabis. He would talk about how it helped him manage his chronic pain and how it brought him a sense of peace and relaxation. These stories stayed with me and sparked my interest in the plant. After completing my undergraduate degree in biology, I decided to pursue a master's degree in cannabis research. During my studies, I discovered that cannabis had been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, but had been demonized in the 20th century due to political and social factors. I am grateful for the curiosity and passion that led me to become an expert in cannabis research and writing. I hope that my work has helped to change the negative perception of cannabis and has brought awareness to its potential benefits for all.
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