How CBD Can Help With Epilepsy
Although there are no known cures for epilepsy, many people with the condition find it easier to manage their seizures when they have access to medical marijuana. This is because cannabis has been scientifically proven to help relieve various symptoms of epilepsy. In fact, many patients use cannabis in conjunction with traditional seizure medications. Read on for more information about the potential health benefits of using medical marijuana to manage your epilepsy.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of many compounds, known as cannabinoids, that are found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the more well-known compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use.
CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, pain, and insomnia. It is also used to manage symptoms of conditions such as multiple sclerosis and help with epilepsy. CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, and topical creams.
How can CBD help with epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures. It is a common condition, affecting around 1% of the population worldwide. CBD has been found to be effective in treating seizures associated with epilepsy, specifically Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These two forms of epilepsy are particularly difficult to treat with traditional medications.
Research has shown that CBD can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in those with these forms of epilepsy, and help with epilepsy. This is thought to be due to CBD’s ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including the transmission of nerve impulses. CBD is thought to help normalize the activity of neurons, which can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
Is CBD safe to use to help with epilepsy?
CBD is generally considered to be safe to use, with few reported side effects. However, it is important to note that the safety and effectiveness of CBD have not been fully evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Some potential side effects of CBD include dry mouth, drowsiness, and changes in appetite and weight. It is important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, so it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you are currently taking any medications.
Can CBD get you high?
No, CBD does not produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use. The psychoactive compound in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC. While CBD can have a relaxing effect, it does not produce the altered state of consciousness associated with the use of cannabis.
What are the types of CBD products that can help with epilepsy?
There are a variety of CBD products available, including:
Oils: CBD oil is the most popular form of CBD, and can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food or drinks.
Capsules: CBD capsules are easy to take and provide a consistent dose of CBD.
Topical creams: CBD creams can be applied directly to the skin to target localized pain or inflammation.
Edibles: CBD can be infused into a variety of edibles, such as gummies, chocolate, and baked goods.
Vape products: CBD can be vaporized using an e-cigarette or vape pen.
Tinctures: CBD tinctures are liquid extracts that are taken sublingually.
It’s important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of CBD products can vary widely. It’s important to purchase CBD from reputable sources, and to speak with a healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you are currently taking any medications.
How was CBD discovered?
The discovery of CBD, or cannabidiol, can be traced back to the 1940s. At that time, a team of researchers at the University of Illinois were working to isolate the chemical compounds found in cannabis. They were led by Roger Adams, an organic chemist, who was able to isolate CBD from the other cannabinoids found in the plant.
During the following decades, scientists continued to study CBD, but it was not until the early 2000s that the compound began to gain widespread attention. This was due in part to the work of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli chemist and researcher, who was one of the first scientists to study the endocannabinoid system and its relationship to CBD.
Dr. Mechoulam’s research helped to further our understanding of the chemical compound, and also demonstrated that CBD has potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects.
What’s the difference between CBD and THC?
CBD and THC are both compounds found in the cannabis plant, but they have distinct properties and effects.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. When consumed, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and produces the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use. THC is also known for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety effects.
CBD, or cannabidiol, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with cannabis use. Instead, it is known for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. Additionally, it may help to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC.
One of the key differences between CBD and THC is that CBD is legal in many parts of the world and THC is not, due to its psychoactive properties.
Another difference is that CBD is typically more widely available than THC, as products containing CBD can be found in health food stores, online, and in some pharmacies. Additionally, CBD is often used in a variety of therapeutic applications, such as treating anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures.
CBD and THC also interact differently with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors and molecules that help to regulate physiological processes such as pain, appetite, sleep, and immune function. THC directly binds to the CB1 receptors, which are mainly located in the brain and central nervous system, while CBD has a more indirect effect on the ECS, interacting with other receptors and molecules.
It’s worth to note that there are different strains of cannabis plant, some of them are bred to have high THC and low CBD content, and others are bred for high CBD and low THC content. This is why it’s important to know the composition of the product when consuming it. If you are interested in CBD, check out Ganja West online dispensary at ganjawest.co and pick up some CBD!
