Did you know that about 50 million people suffer from epilepsy worldwide? Fortunately, researchers have found that medical marijuana may help with seizure control.
Have you considered using marijuana as an epilepsy treatment but aren’t sure how it works?
The following guide will explore the relationship between cannabis and epilepsy. Read on to learn more about this neurological disorder and using marijuana as a treatment.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes repetitive seizures. A seizure is an unexpected surge of irregular electrical activity in the brain.
Two or more seizures with no clear identifiable reason get diagnosed by doctors as epilepsy. Generalized seizures and focal seizures are the two primary kinds.
Generalized seizures impact the entire brain. Focal seizures are partial seizures that only impact a single portion of the brain.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Marijuana typically refers to the cannabis plant’s leaves and female flowers. Medical marijuana involves whole-plant cannabis or certain chemicals from the plant collected for medical use.
Cannabinoids found in cannabis are substances that work with cells in your body to cause an effect. The cells are often called cannabinoid receptors.
THC and CBD are the two main major cannabis ingredients. THC produces a psychoactive effect that gets users “high”. CBD doesn’t induce psychoactive effects but has helpful effects on specific body systems.
CBD and Epilepsy
CBD might help people with epilepsy to control seizures. However, researchers still aren’t completely sure why CBD helps with seizures.
The human body contains many neurotransmitters and receptors referred to as the endocannabinoid system. The system helps control processes in your body like appetite, pain, sleep, pain, and the immune system.
CBD could alter these processes by binding with the receptors in your endocannabinoid system. This can help reduce seizures and possibly assist other antiepileptic medications.
THC and Epilepsy
The brain actually creates a cannabis-like substance that calms seizures. Although, it boosts the aftereffects of seizures.
THC works very similarly when treating seizures. It reduces seizure activity but deprives oxygen after the seizure is over.
This is why it’s important to read the labels of cannabis products for THC amounts. Visit a store like www.HighProfileCannabis.com with a knowledgable staff for the best experience.
Seizure Response
It’s important to note that there isn’t a cure for epilepsy. So, you must know what to do if someone you know has a seizure around you. Likewise, your friends and family should know what to do if you suffer from epilepsy.
Never hold down or try to stop the movements of the person having a seizure. Do not give them mouth to mouth, place anything in their mouth, or offer food or beverages.
Simply remain calm and try to keep anyone else nearby calm as well. Ese the person to the ground and place something soft beneath their head. Remove any eyewear and loosen things like ties that could affect their breathing.
Help guide them to a safe location once the seizure ends. Call 911 if their seizure lasts any longer than five minutes.
Understanding Cannabis and Epilepsy
Now you know the connection between cannabis and epilepsy. Remember, CBD and THC help reduce seizures but THC might amplify the aftereffects.
Research is limited but the future looks bright for marijuana as a seizure treatment. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful CBD and marijuana insight.
