Marijuana and epilepsy might seem not to match because, but there are medical uses for marijuana. People ask if there are medical marijuana uses for epilepsy. They want to know if it is safe and if so, how effective. The following may answer the questions.
What is medical marijuana?
Marijuana is commonly known as ‘weed’. It is mostly smoked in a blow or joint while others prefer to eat it. It is considered a ‘soft drug’ and many people tend to abuse it for pleasure. Medical marijuana is a drug that is obtained from Cannabis and is used in easing some symptoms of medical conditions. The marijuana plant has chemicals namely cannabinoids which help in medical marijuana uses for epilepsy. Those used in medicine are Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), which is responsible for the ‘high’ people talk about, and cannabidiol (CBD).
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where there are abnormal brain activities. This may lead to brain sensations, seizures, and at times losing awareness. It may result from a genetic disorder or brain injury, for example, stroke and trauma.
Is the use of medical marijuana approved?
The use of medical marijuana was approved by the FDA in 2018. After research, it was considered to treat seizures, which is one of the medical marijuana uses for epilepsy. It has therefore been taken in different ways which include smoking, eating, inhaling through a vaporizer, applying it as a lotion on your skin, etc.
How medical marijuana works
CBD and THC are attached to receptors found in the brain and they act against pain. By binding to receptors, pain signals transmission is blocked. CBD also works on different signalling systems in the brain and contains anti-inflammatory and protective properties.
Use of medical marijuana for epilepsy
One of the symptoms of epilepsy is seizures. Medical marijuana treats seizures because cannabinoids act on body cells, as well as the brain. This is one of the medical marijuana uses for epilepsy. It however comes with side effects such as bloodshot eyes, depression, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hallucinations, and low blood pressure. It is recommended that one use medical marijuana for epilepsy if other medications do not work. One should not consider this as the first option because of the many side effects that come with it.
Conclusion
The use of medical marijuana is a legal way of treating seizures. This may be of help to the epileptic, even though it comes with all the side effects. It is great that marijuana has been put to useful use.