For people living with epilepsy lights, sounds, traffic, and noise can cause a seizure. The way our bodies process each of these stimuli is by going through the central nervous system so that each sound and vision makes sense to us.
Our brains are made up of neurons, which are cells. When presented with these same lights, sounds, or noise, these stimuli are communicated with electrical impulses that are transmitted through neurons. And if the system isn’t functioning correctly the result is a seizure, which is an uncontrolled electrical impulse in the brain. Let’s discuss seizures and marijuana and why cannabis might be an effective treatment plan to help manage epilepsy.
What is Epilepsy?
Nearly one out of a hundred people have epilepsy. This common disorder is actually a brain disorder that is often related to a brain injury; this could be a severe car accident, or a fall. But it can also be a family trait. It’s also described as an electrical storm in the brain. And for good reason. Hyperactivity in the nerve cells within your brain spread and as a result of this you could go into convulsions or experience loss of consciousness.
Unfortunately the cause is not known. If you’ve suffered from two unprovoked seizures or one seizure that is considered high risk and it also unprovoked you would be classified as epileptic.
While living with epilepsy seems like a scary thing, it can be treated effectively when diagnosed early so that you can live a normal quality of life. And even if you are resistant to epilepsy medication there is an effective treatment using medical marijuana.
Does marijuana help epilepsy?
If you’ve been wondering does marijuana help seizures, or is marijuana good for seizures, the answer is simple. Yes, medical marijuana reduce seizures. It has proven to help people living with uncontrolled seizures reduce seizure activity and severity, and had a positive effect on their mood. As well as improving their sleep quality and appetite, improving their overall well-being.
Medical marijuana is also referred to as medical cannabis. Medical cannabis is derived from the whole cannabis plant and is used for medicinal purposes. Cannabinoids are substances in cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these substances act on cells in the body, this includes the brain.
THC is a major chemical compound in most strains of marijuana. And as it binds to the brain receptors it causes a psychoactive effect which makes you feel high. CBD is not psychoactive, so you will not feel high.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
Symptoms and signs of epilepsy can range in severity depending on the type of seizure. There are two types of seizures -focal or generalized. Seizures can only be one of the two. They type of seizure is based on how and where abnormal brain activity begins.
Focal onset seizures start in one area of the brain and spread to others. You’ll experience mild to severe symptoms. The severity depends on how the electrical discharges spread and to what parts of the brain.
Generalized seizures can start as focal seizures then spread to both sides of the brain or they can begin on both sides of the brain.
While there are different causes for seized there are many instances where the cause cannot be determined. When this happens it is classified as an unknown onset.
Let’s take a look at some of these seizure signs and symptoms:
- Temporary confusion
- A staring spell
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Cognitive or emotional symptoms that present themselves as fear, anxiety or deja vu
Epilepsy and marijuana has become an effective form of treatment, especially those that are resistant to traditional medications. People who are medication resistant are at an increased risk of death from an epilepsy-related seizure or may suffer from an impairment with psychosocial, behavioral, and cognitive functions.
How does weed help with epilepsy?
Cannabis and epilepsy go hand and hand.
Medical marijuana and epilepsy treatment has been used for many years. For patients with patients with drug-resistant forms of epilepsy medical marijuana has proven to be an effective treatment. But it is also effective for other types of epilepsy and improving the quality of life.
CBD has also been known to reduce the adverse effects that are caused by anti-seizure medications, as well as additional benefits that help to improve various aspects of your health and overall quality of life.
What marijuana strain is best for seizures?
Before you can determine the best weed for epilepsy you’ll need to understand them.
There are two main strains of marijuana – cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. These two species of cannabis have been used to treat epilepsy. Their antiepileptic properties affect the body in two different ways. Sativa strains cause psychotropic and stimulating effects, whereas indica strains cause more sedation.
To determine whether or not to choose indica or sativa for epilepsy will depend on the effects each strain has on you as an individual.
Cannabinoid therapy for epilepsy
To be treated effectively with cannabinoids you’ll want to see your doctor. This will help to get a more accurate dosage. At Verts, we can help you choose the best weed strains for epilepsy based on your lifestyle, and various other things.
Utilizing CBD or thc for seizures is an excellent way to manage your epilepsy.
More FAQ
Recreational drugs and seizures often go hand and hand for a variety of reasons. There have been claims that the use of high-potency marijuana, meaning it contains high amounts of THC may trigger seizures. This is why working with your doctor and going to a reputable dispensary to find the right dosage is always best.
Weed for epilepsy has become increasingly more popular over the last decade. When it comes to epilepsy and marijuana you should consider obtaining your medical card. At Verts we can help you get a free medical card.