Cannabis can help to reduce the symptoms of seizures and epilepsy through the cannabinoid CBD as well as (to a lesser extent) CBDV, THCA, THCV and the terpene Linalool, through the Entourage Effect.
The anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) properties of CBD and other cannabinoids have not been officially proven yet, but current studies have been able to classify these compounds as “Class 1 Evidence”, meaning there is enough evidence to safely say they are beneficial, useful and effective against seizures and epilepsy (such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome).
One of the most impressive medical benefits of the cannabis plant, one that that has been proven across numerous case studies, is the ability it has in suppressing seizures in patients with Epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that creates abnormal brain activity. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), one of the primary forms of Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the nervous system that is characterized by recurring and unprovoked focal seizures that originate in the temporal lobe of the brain.
TLE one of the most common forms of Epilepsy with focal seizures. These seizures, can, in extreme cases, lead to long-term brain damage. Other types of Epilepsy include
Unfortunately, Epilepsy does not discriminate in whom it targets as it can affect people of any age, race or gender. Indeed, half of those who have seizure disorders are unable to identify a specific cause. Experts believe that the other half, gain the disorder through head traumas, infections and genetic influence.
According to government statistics, approximately 1.2% of the US population has received an Epilepsy diagnosis. Of those who live with different types of Epilepsy, it is said that up to 33% are unable to manage their symptoms despite using conventional epilepsy medications or antiseizure medications.
Thankfully, the potential of marijuana plants and cannabis to treat people with Epilepsy has led to a wave of research on its true efficacy in this particular sphere of medicinal health.
Given how difficult it is to treat Epilepsy, it is little wonder that research continues to investigate in greater detail the potential of medical marijuana as a treatment for Epilepsy and several other medical conditions.
Indeed, in recent years, It has become widespread knowledge that cannabidiol CBD and THC are particularly useful when treating seizures and managing Epilepsy in adults and children. Besides THC, it is probably the best-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
CBD is a phytocannabinoid that was discovered in 1940. Cannabidiol or CBD as it is more commonly known, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. That means that CBD does not generate any psychoactive effects. This has been monumental in the medicinal cannabis movement, with the lack of psychoactive properties making CBD an interesting treatment for those living with and managing Epilepsy.
For the many people with Epilepsy, using medical cannabis as a seizure medication is becoming an increasingly common alternative in the treatment of Epilepsy.
As research on the benefits of medical cannabis continues to grow, it is increasingly apparent that there are several difficult to treat medical conditions where cannabis can potentially be used to treat and reduce those life-altering symptoms that can truly ruin people’s lives.
With interest in the treatment of Epilepsy using the cannabis plant growing significantly, an increase in epilepsy research and scientific analysis has now taken place. In 2018, the increase in research on cannabis for Epilepsy resulted in the first-ever cannabis-derived drug being produced – Epidiolex.
Produced by GW pharmaceuticals, this cannabidiol based treatment was FDA approved in 2018 as a seizure medication for the treatment of Epilepsy. Epidiolex is the first and only epilepsy treatment using cannabidiol to be FDA approved. It is now prescribed to treat patients and children with Epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
This was a massive breakthrough for both the medical cannabis industry and for the many patients with Epilepsy who have had little to no success using conventional medicines for Epilepsy and seizures.
Indeed, there are several hugely difficult to treat medical conditions where it is now thought that cannabis can be used to treat and reduce those life-altering symptoms that can truly ruin people’s lives.
Cannabidiol or CBD interacts with the body through a complex network of cannabinoid receptors, known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This vast internal system helps to control essential daily functions such as appetite, mood, and sleep patterns. When these receptors are stimulated, they help the body create its own chemicals called endocannabinoids.
It is this relationship with the endocannabinoid system that is at the heart of scientific research into the potential benefits of CBD. Of all the research that has been carried out into the possible medicinal effects of cannabidiol, studies on the impact on Epilepsy symptoms that have proven most promising.
In a recent study, scientists evaluated the anticonvulsant profile of CBD. They used a newly designed screening protocol. This protocol was designed from the ground up by the NINDS.
The NINDS or the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke investigated the use of CBD in Epileptic mice, and the results were pretty conclusive. Following the controlled trials, all of the mice stopped showing symptoms of Epilepsy after administration, even after the scientists attempted to trigger seizures with electrotherapy.
Clearly, there is significant evidence to now stand by the claim that medical marijuana can be highly effective as a treatment for Epilepsy. But what are the best cannabis strains for Epilepsy?
When it comes to choosing the right medicinal cannabis for alleviating symptoms of Epilepsy, so-called CBD strains, i.e. strains with a high level of CBD content, are considered ideal.
There are also terpenes which have potentially anticonvulsant properties, specifically linalool. In studies, linalool has shown two significant effects conducive with assisting Epilepsy symptoms. Linalool may inhibit L-(3H)glutamate binding in the central nervous system, and also modulate glutamate activation, which can cause delayed NMDA convulsions in epilepsy profile.
Essentially, this means that CBD has shown the ability to alleviate the symptoms of Epilepsy, and reduce seizures in people living with Epilepsy.
Therefore, advisable cannabis strains for treating seizures and Epilepsy in adults are those that have not only a high CBD count, but also contain this specific terpene.
A high CBD content (around 15%) and low THC (less than 1%) cannabis strain, ACDC is a phenotype of Cannatonic, a high CBD cannabis strain and is considered one of the best cannabis strains for Epilepsy.
While its famed namesake may be famed for being ‘High Voltage’, this sativa-dominant strain is a far less intense experience, perfect for enhancing productivity for the day.
Alongside linalool, ACDC cannabis also contains myrcene, which is the most prevalent terpene found in cannabis strains. As well as creating that classic herbal aroma, myrcene also has potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as regulatory properties, meaning it can enhance the beneficial effects of other terpenes.
Other terpenes present include pinene, which has been shown to assist with breathing and reduce inflammation, and caryophyllene, which is also thought to have anti-inflammatory benefits and could reduce the risk of brain diseases.
This sativa-dominant hybrid strain, high in CBD content (over 15%), is a perfect afternoon medical cannabis for a person with Epilepsy.
The THC content is higher here (around 10%), making it an excellent choice to get you over the afternoon hump. The sativa dominance provides uplifting energy, while the indica strains in the genetics bring possible pain-relieving benefits.
As well as myrcene and linalool, Royal Medic also contains limonene, which as well as adding a fresh citrus lemon flavour, also may provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Limonene is even thought to reduce stress and anxiety.
The mother of ACDC, and in the eyes of many, the mother of CBD strains, Cannatonic has a low THC level (around 5%) and a medium to high CBD content (10% approx.) making it the perfect evening wind down strain.
The terpene profile combines myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene, and linalool, creating a combination of the possible benefits of the two strains above. This combination isn’t only said to be beneficial for treating seizures and Epilepsy but could also relieve stress and anxiety, as well as reducing pain and inflammation, making sleep substantially easier.
All three of these medical marijuana strains are high in cannabidiol CBD and offer a terpene profile that could help with the symptoms of Epilepsy, as well as potentially offering relaxation and pain-relief amongst other possible medical benefits.
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