Epilepsy affects around 50 million people around the globe, with 3.4 million of those people residing in the US. Recent studies have shown that CBD oil and marijuana oil can help alleviate some epilepsy symptoms. 

Continue reading to learn how CBD helps improve the lives of you and your loved ones!

What Is Medical Cannabis?

Cannabis has a negative reputation in many parts of the world. However, recently we have discovered wonderful benefits to medical cannabis. Although marijuana does have its risks, it can be a life-changing substance for many people. 

Medical cannabis is essentially the same product as recreational cannabis but is used for medicinal purposes. It contains many different chemicals, but the two most common chemicals used in medicine are THC and CBD. 

THC contains the psychoactive element that gives you the “high” that many recreational users are looking for. 

CBD also has psychoactive effects; however, they are very different than THC. They are used to help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain. Additionally, CBD calms instead of creating euphoria. 

How Does CBD Help With Epilepsy Symptoms?

Unfortunately, it is not precisely known how CBD helps prevent seizures. However, speculations are that the CBD interacts with and modifies the receptors called the endocannabinoid system.  This system is similar to the cannabinoids, the active chemicals in marijuana. The system interacts with your appetite, memory, movement, and pain. 

Epidiolex was released and approved by the FDA in 2018 for epilepsy treatment after extensive research showed that CBD helps reduce seizures by more than 50% in patients, especially those who suffer from two rare forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet Syndrome. 

If you, or a loved one, have epilepsy, please discuss the use of medical CBD as a form of treatment with your doctor. We will discuss later how CBD can interfere with certain prescription medications. 

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of CBD?

As with all medications, CBD does have risks and side effects. Although it is safer than most controlled substances, there is a common misconception that there are no risks to taking cannabis because it is a natural product. 

We will evaluate the risks and side effects for your convenience.

Risks

The main risks of CBD are present when you are taking other medication. For example, it is not recommended to mix CBD with anti-depressants, blood thinners, sedatives, and opioids. 

Cannabis can affect your blood pressure, so it is important to be cautious when taking other medications. It is crucial to have an open dialogue with your doctor while taking CBD, but it is also essential to do your own research to learn more about CBD.

Side Effects

Although the risks of CBD are few, it is important to note that there are also a few side effects involved with taking CBD. These side effects can change your appetite, sleep cycle, weight, and can cause dizziness and diarrhea. 

How Should I Take CBD?

CBD comes in a few different forms. The most common form is CBD oil that you can spray underneath your tongue. Another form is oil-based capsules. 

The cannabis industry has become quite creative in the many different ways that one can buy and use CBD. However, if you are taking CBD to reduce seizures, we recommend taking them orally. 

CBD can also reduce inflammation and pain and can be used topically with many interesting products such as cream, bath bombs, lotions, and much more.

Vaping and smoking can be the most effective way to use CBD. The heat interacts with the chemicals and allows for more absorption in your body. 

Edibles are a fun and creative way to use CBD. There are many products on the market that contain CBD or THC. Some of these products are coffee, tea, chocolates, butter for baking and cooking, candies, and much more. 

As you explore the market, you will find the right product that works best for you. Do not be afraid to try new and exciting products to improve your life!

Other Medical Benefits

CBD is used to treat epilepsy symptoms, but it can help with a variety of medical conditions. Many organizations and universities conduct studies and research to identify the benefits of cannabis. However, resources are limited due to the restriction on cannabis.

Successful studies have shown that CBD can treat a variety of illnesses and complications. So the future is bright for cannabis!

Chemotherapy

Many patients that are undergoing chemotherapy suffer from nausea and vomiting. This unfortunate side effect can be reduced or controlled by taking CBD. It also reduces pain and inflammation, as mentioned previously. 

AIDS and Cancer

Usually, those who are suffering from cancer lose their appetite. Similarly, those who have a diagnosis of AIDS lose weight due to a lack of appetite. Cannabis and CBD improve appetite and improve weight gain for those struggling with weight loss. 

Muscle Stiffness

CBD is known to relax and reduce anxiety. As the body relaxes, the tight muscles are released. This can significantly benefit those with MS and muscle stiffness. 

Chronic Pain

As mentioned before, CBD helps reduce pain and inflammation. This is because cannabinoids, the active chemical in marijuana, react with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for pain receptors, and when CBD reacts with these receptors, it reduces pain. 

Talk to Your Doctor

If you are interested in taking CBD to treat your epilepsy symptoms, talk to your doctor first. The main risk of taking CBD is that it may interact with other prescription medications. Therefore, we highly recommended that you educate yourself and stay up to date with the ongoing studies involving marijuana. 

Feel free to leave a comment on this post or share it with your friends to spread awareness of the benefits of CBD.