Can CBD Oil Help with Epilepsy?

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Cannabis oil

Drugs used for epilepsy rarely work, and for some people, it can be a nightmare facing such harsh conditions every day. From studies, about one-third of people living with epilepsy don’t find any relief by using the drugs available. It has led to an increased risk of premature deaths. Most people diagnosed with hard-to-treat epileptic conditions don’t get proper medical care.

Over the years, researchers have tried to understand the relationship between CBD oil and epilepsy. The result is years of hot debates following claims that CBD oil can help treat people with epilepsy. People have also tried to use various substances, especially cannabidiol, a chemical in marijuana plants, to help treat their loved ones.

The truth is, CBD oil helps with various symptoms of epilepsy and seizures. The recent spike in research and use of such compounds like CBD comes from the increased and open legislation on cannabis in many states.

To begin using CBD oil as a trusted treatment, every patient must understand its proper use, dosage, and intake method. Other may be side effects of risk that come with using such compounds. Your doctor will enable you to get a suitable treatment option. Read on to understand more about the use of CBD oil for seizures.

Cannabis oil

Let’s start with the most common and fundamental question:

Is CBD legal? CBD products are hemp-derived and have THC levels lower than 0.3%, making them legal federally in various states. It would be best to check the laws in your state, as some states still have no such regulations.

On the other hand, marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal federally but legal in some state laws. Check the local legislation to know what to use and purchase, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is yet to approve non-prescription CBD products.

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabis contains a wide range of compounds that have varying effects on the body. In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared the use of prescribed Epidiolex effective in treating seizures and epilepsy and approved its use. Studies show that this refined form of CBD oil effectively alleviates symptoms from the two most common types of epilepsy. There are various other forms of cannabis that are legal in most states. Some of the compounds may not be useful to the body as treatment, and it would be best to understand the details to ensure you purchase them.

CBD hemp oil in a droplet with buds

CBD is a compound among the various cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant. The most common compounds, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD, have varying effects on the human body. THC was the best-known compound until recently.

It is the most active constituent of cannabis and offers psychological effects after intake. It creates a mind-altering ‘high’ when smoked or used for cooking. This comes from the ability of the THC to break down in the body when you apply heat and introduce it to the body.

On the other hand, CBD is not a psychoactive compound. It will not change the state of mind when taken in. However, it has various positive effects that show significant health benefits.

To understand where CBD comes from, it would help to start by knowing the components of the cannabis plant. The standard two ways to refer to cannabis are hemp and marijuana-based on the amount of THC they contain. According to the FDA, hemp plants are legal under the Farm Bill if they have 0.3% or less THC content.

Most marijuana farmers often selectively breed their plants to contain higher THC levels or compounds that serve their clients’ interests. However, it is uncommon for hemp farmers to modify their plants. The CBD oil comes from legal hemp plants.

The CBD works in the body by producing effects similar to other cannabinoids that interact with cannabinoid receptors. These receptors form part of the endocannabinoid system. The CBD will stimulate these receptors to allow the body to produce cannabinoids, commonly called endocannabinoids.

You can use various methods to take in CBD oil. Most of these processes are not similar to the traditional smoking of whole cannabis. When a doctor prescribes CBD for epilepsy, it is essential to follow the instructions given to the latter to avoid any side effects. Some of the various ways to use CBD oil include:

  • Mixing with food or water
  • Spraying under the tongue
  • Swallowing capsules
  • Taking them with a dropper or pipette
  • Messaging a paste on the skin

The doctor will also recommend the dosage for your CBD depending on factors such as:

  • The individual’s body weight
  • The concentration of the product
  • The reason for using CBD

Seizures and Epilepsy

Seizures refer to electrical activity in the brain resulting in surges that affect the whole body. Underlying conditions like epilepsy are among the most common causes of attacks.

Unfortunately, about 30% of people living with epilepsy cannot control it using the traditional treatment methods. They are either ineffective or will help for a few minutes. Getting a lasting situation would help to enable these people to continue to be productive and take good care of themselves. The first step is to talk to a doctor about using CBD for seizures.

There are various proven cases where CBD helps alleviate seizure symptoms and enables patients to lead a great life. Research on the effectiveness of CBD oil to treat epilepsy is still ongoing, with promising results so far.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, there are already convincing results that CBD oil is an effective treatment method for seizures caused by epilepsy. However, scientists are struggling to expand their research due to the strict government rules and regulations on cannabis.

With the approval of Epidolex by the FDA, it is easy for many patients to have access to the drug and use it to treat their conditions. Although it is the only FDA-approved drug with a CBD component, various other products contain CBD that patients can use. These include edibles and oils that are legal across multiple states in the US.

Research has grown exponentially over the years due to the rescheduling of CBD. Newer studies suggest CBD products also effectively treat a particular group of people with epilepsy. In most research, there was no controlled dosage or preparation to offer a convincing prescription. Therefore, more research will continue to explore this area and get a proper recommendation for patients to start using it immediately.

 CBD Oil and Epilepsy

Newer studies show that CBD is particularly effective for two rare forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. These syndromes appear mainly in childhood, are very resistant to treatment, and have severe seizures.

Doctors now prescribe the FDA-approved Epidiolex to help treat seizures resulting from these rare forms of epilepsy. Various reports also show the importance of adhering to uniform strength and consistent delivery instructions. It will give the person using Epidiolex confidence that they get the exact dose required.

The Epidiolex contains 98% purified CBD to offer a more robust and consistent effect than any other forms of CBD isolates and oil available. Also, most people have started to use CBD in treating various symptoms of epilepsy and other concerns.

Children and CBD

The two common rare epilepsy forms: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, appear mostly in children. The trend raises concerns about how CBD oil can be effective with kids. Also, children with epilepsy often have symptoms that do not respond well to various conventional treating methods.

In this case, they can greatly benefit from using CBD. The FDA-approved Epidiolex is effective for people above two years who suffer from Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.

Another review from the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology confirms that CBD, either isolated or part of the enriched herbal extract, will help reduce the severity of epilepsy in children. Therefore, children with treatment-resistant epilepsy can also find relief.

Another review from Epilepsia shows CBD is likely to reduce the amount of seizures children get when they have drug-resistant epilepsy. The results are strictly for CBD use and do not extend to other compounds of the cannabis plant. Therefore, researchers have settled for CBD as the only accepted and reliable compound to offer these benefits.

However, the use of CBD in children should follow a doctor’s guidance, since it may not be suitable for all children. A study by CNS Drugs revealed that it started showing side effects after long-term use of CBD. They found that the CBD was effective in about 27% of children with epilepsy for the past four years of service. Still, over 81% of the population in the study experienced various side effects, and 23% had severe side effects.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Cannabis as a plant is one of the most controversial drugs globally. Many people would want to understand the possible side effects of using its extract to try and treat their medical conditions. You need to be aware of some side effects when you consider using CBD to treat epilepsy and seizures.

CBD oil usually has a few side effects that can affect both adults and children using it. The side effects are typically mild and may not be causes for alarm. They include:

  • Diarrhea
  • An upset stomach
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in weight
  • Sleepiness or fatigue
  • Drowsiness

For others, it can be unsafe to operate heavy machinery or drive after taking a CBD dose.

Suicidal Ideation

Other people think there is a link between suicide ideation and CBD. One article showed a correlation between the two. Still, there is not enough proof that CBD is responsible for this outcome. More research in this field will help determine the link between CBD and suicide ideation. Anyone using CBD should be keen on unusual signs and changes in personal behavior.

Liver damage

Possible Liver Damage

CBD may increase liver damage in people with underlying conditions in rare cases. It also happens when you combine it with other medications. If you have a history of liver damage, it would be best to work closely with your doctor to monitor your liver function when you are using it.

Drug Interactions

CBD is a naturally occurring compound of the hemp plant. However, it can still react to some medications. The best way to ensure you don’t use conflicting drugs is to consult your doctor to check for the contraindications.

Apart from other drugs, it is essential to be aware of their interaction with herbs in meals. Luckily, you can always find all this information from your doctor.

Purity

It’s one of the most important factors to check for before using CBD for epilepsy. It is also imperative to know the purity of CBD oil before using it as a supplementary medication for epilepsy because the purity will differ.

Reputable manufacturers and sellers will always indicate the percentage purity of the CBD extract in bottles to ensure you get the right amount. Other products may have contaminants such as pesticides, chemicals, or heavy metals. All CBD products you get from Las Vegas dispensary delivery undergo vigorous testing and meet the standard quality.

How to Use

Getting the correct dose for CBD oil is often difficult. It leaves people to settle on purity to determine how to use it. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, children and adults who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and use 10 mg or 20 mg of CBD per kilogram according to weight daily weight showed a decreased reduction in seizures.

The easiest way to use CBD oil is to add it directly under the tongue. If you don’t enjoy the flavor, you can add it to a glass of juice and sip. It is the fastest way to get CBD oil.

Wrapping Up

Recent research and increased use of CBD to treat epilepsy have shown its potential use for seizures. While CBD can be the most effective treatment-resistant for epilepsy, it is not suitable for everyone. Consult your doctor before you start your CBD treatment.

Whenever you are looking for a “CBD dispensary near me,” visit us at Inyo Las Vegas Dispensary in Las Vegas. We offer top-rated, highly tested, and effective CBD products to help you treat your conditions. Contact us today for consultations.

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