Medical cannabis – also referred to as medical marijuana – has become a viable option for managing many health conditions, most notably epilepsy. Derived from the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants, medical cannabis contains a plethora of compounds called cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce many different effects.
For epilepsy patients who haven’t found relief with traditional antiepileptic drugs, medical cannabis is a lifeline. Let’s look into using medical cannabis for epilepsy, the mechanisms, benefits, risks, and the regulatory environment that determines its availability to patients looking for alternative treatments.
What is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis is derived from the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants. These plants have been used for thousands of years, mainly for their psychoactive and medicinal properties.
Medical cannabis is defined by its composition of many different chemical compounds, mainly cannabinoids, which are the active substances that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the human body to produce many different effects. Understanding these compounds is critical to understanding how medical cannabis can be used in a clinical setting.
How Medical Cannabis Works for Epilepsy
Research has shown that cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis, can reduce seizures in certain demographics with epilepsy, especially those who haven’t responded to traditional antiepileptic drugs. Clinical trials have shown that CBD can reduce both frequency and severity of seizures, helping to control seizures in people with severe epilepsy syndromes.
The exact mechanism of how medical cannabis works as an anticonvulsant is still unknown. It’s thought that CBD may modulate neurotransmitter release and have neuroprotective effects, influencing multiple body systems that govern seizure activity. Despite promising results, the complexity of cannabinoid interactions in the brain needs further research to fully understand its therapeutic potential.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy
Medical cannabis goes beyond seizure control and includes a range of neuropsychiatric disorders and chronic conditions. In some cases, patients have become seizure-free, particularly those with Dravet syndrome. The FDA has approved Epidiolex, a purified CBD extract, for two rare forms of childhood epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome. This approval is a recognition of medical marijuana as a legitimate treatment.
For many patients, medical cannabis can bring significant relief from drug-resistant seizures, and some can reduce or stop their use of traditional antiepileptic drugs altogether. This can mean a better quality of life, free from the side effects of traditional medications.
Medical Cannabis vs Traditional Epilepsy Medications for Drug-Resistant Seizures
As the landscape of epilepsy treatment changes, medical cannabis is often an option for patients who don’t respond to traditional antiepileptic drugs. One of the benefits of medical marijuana is it can have fewer side effects compared to traditional medications. But we need to acknowledge that medical marijuana is not a panacea, and in some cases, it can interact with other anti-seizure medications and worsen certain types of epilepsy.
However, more research is needed to fully compare medical marijuana to traditional treatments. Understanding the different responses of patients will inform best practices and guide clinicians to develop personalized treatment plans.
Using Medical Marijuana to Treat Seizures
For patients with epilepsy, especially those who have tried everything else, medical marijuana is an option to treat seizures. Clinical trials show that CBD can work for seizures, especially in cases like Dravet syndrome, where traditional treatments haven’t worked.
Medical marijuana can also be used with existing anti-seizure medications to improve overall seizure control. However, patients should do this under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Proper guidance ensures safety and maximizes the benefits of medical marijuana.
Side Effects and Risks of Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy
While the benefits are promising, medical marijuana is not completely risk-free. The most common side effects are related to liver function, which can be problematic when combined with certain medications like valproic acid. Other common side effects are sedation, sleepiness, and lethargy especially at higher doses.
Patients may also experience decreased appetite, diarrhea, malaise, fatigue, insomnia, and skin rashes. These side effects need to be monitored and managed to minimize their impact on patients’ daily lives. Knowing these potential side effects is important for informed decision-making on using medical marijuana.
How to Get Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy
Access to medical marijuana varies from state to state as the laws evolve to allow its use for medicinal purposes, including epilepsy treatment. Patients considering this option should talk to their healthcare provider to see if medical marijuana is an option for them. Understanding the local laws and regulations on medical marijuana is important for compliance and safety.
Consult a Medical Marijuana Doctor Today
Medical cannabis offers a potential treatment option for certain types of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, it is important to recognize that medical marijuana may not be effective for all types of epilepsy and could potentially exacerbate some conditions. Patients should have thorough discussions with their treating physician to evaluate whether medical cannabis is suitable for their specific case, considering both the potential benefits and risks.
Ultimately, ongoing research is crucial to fully understand the effects of medical cannabis on epilepsy treatment and to determine the optimal CBD treatment period for achieving effective seizure control.
Dr. Jack Rothman has been practicing medicine for 40+ years. He has been involved with an endless list of Boards, Executive Committees, and Task Forces, serving as Director, Society Member, President, Vice President, and Chairman. All to better the healthcare industry and patients’ lives. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in Gynecological surgery, volunteering with free clinics and the Red Cross, he has seen the need for different patient options to help with symptom relief of multiple conditions. His interest in medical cannabis started decades ago with the historical study of ancient medicine.
Getting involved with the medical cannabis industry was the perfect opportunity for him to transition from traditional medicine into the ever-expanding industry of medical cannabis.
