Cannabis’ analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects have been known for literally thousands of years – but more recently, the drug has been making waves in medical circles for its potential efficacy in treating epilepsy and other seizure disorders. And, contrary to what detractors of medical marijuana would expect, the evidence isn’t coming solely from the pro-cannabis lobby.
According to the national Epilepsy Foundation,”individual reports of children with refractory (or intractable) epilepsy who have tried cannabis, usually with high ratios of cannabidiol to THC, have reported marked improvements in seizure frequency.” Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound in cannabis that doesn’t produce the signature high – and it’s been demonstrated to have some positive effects on certain body systems that affect seizures.
While more research is needed, it looks like cannabis could be the next frontier in treating seizure disorders. But don’t take our word for it: Here’s the scientific explanation from Dr. Orrin Devinsky, a professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, and director of the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
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