Tag: treatment

CBD: Can it treat seizures?

CBD is a compound with pharmaceutical properties that is found in both cannabis and hemp plants. The plant type that CBD is derived from is extremely important, as only CBD produced from hemp is legal in all fifty U.S. states. Hemp is a unique plant since it was specifically cultivated to be THC-free. By eliminating the psychoactive component, THC, from the mix, users are able to enjoy the full therapeutic benefits of CBD without the risk of getting high and experiencing possible impairment. There are currently several official uses for CBD, but the most promising appears to be as a treatment for seizures. The FDA brought cannabidiol (CBD) to the spotlight in June 2018 with its newest medicine, Epidiolex.

Epidiolex is an oral solution that is administered for the treatment of Dravet syndrome, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Both of these pediatric disorders are severe types of epilepsy where the victim suffers uncontrollable seizures. In 2017, a double-blind, multicenter, placebo trial was published by neurology.org, which proved that the use of CBD significantly dropped the frequency of seizure occurrences in patients suffering from LGS. Several more studies have been done since that date that all confirm the same fact: the use of CBD is not only well tolerated in these cases, but also highly effective in reducing seizures this patient demographic.

The question now is could CBD possibly be the answer for seizures in general? There are many different forms of epilepsy that can afflict all age ranges from neonates to the geriatric population. While many studies have been done in relation to Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome, there are is little to no research being done on treating seizures with CBD caused by other factors such as stroke, brain trauma, autoimmune diseases such as Sjorgren’s syndrome, and generalized epilepsy.

Even the way CBD works to provide this relief from seizures is currently up for debate, as there are two proposed theories. One theory is that stimulates the hippocampus (part of the brain) and acts on a receptor to disrupt a seizure from taking place. The other theory is that it has a unique interaction with NMDA receptors in general and acts as a protectant. Since the current mode of action is currently not clear, but the results are, it’s obvious that further research is warranted into CBD as a treatment for seizures in general. Limiting treatment and research to only two types of epileptic syndromes is completely ridiculous. The hope for the future of seizure treatment as a whole is CBD- we simply need to utilize the resources and further study the matter.

CBD and Senior Citizens

Getting older is not fun, and as we age, the likelihood of developing various ailments and disorders substantially increases. There is no way to defy this aging process, but what if we had a way to decrease the aches and pains associated with growing older? With the legalization of CBD in all fifty states, senior citizens now have a way to age gracefully and to have a high quality of life. It doesn’t matter whether they choose to consume their CBD via edibles, as a tincture, or vape this miracle substance, the benefits are limitless. Below is a list of the many advantages associated with the use of CBD for seniors.

CBD Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Studies have shown that CBD directly interacts with neurotransmitters associated with inflammation and pain. The body’s production of endocannabinoids due to intake of CBD consistently shows positive impacts on people’s mood, pain, and immune responses. Seniors are already predisposed to developing excruciating conditions such as arthritis (which is inflammation of the joints), and prior to the use of CBD, treatment was limited to artificial drugs such as corticosteroids which have a myriad of negative side effects. With CBD widely available, our elderly now has access to a better and safer alternative treatment.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia-Related Diseases

Every senior citizen runs the risk of acquiring age-related conditions such as dementia. CBD is now being studied as a possible treatment to reduce symptoms, and is already proving to be promising. California’s Salk Institute recently released research to the public showing that CBD prevents the decline of memory function and preserves brain cells. A 2011 study performed by Tim Karl backs this information up, and additionally purported the growth of new brain cells. Although the FDA has not formally announced the use of CBD as a treatment for dementia, all the evidence supports its potential use and it would be smart for seniors to take CBD as a precautionary measure.

CBD is cheaper than prescription drugs

Instead of taking a cocktail of anti-pain and anti-inflammatory medications, seniors now have the choice to use CBD. High quality CBD oils can run around $35 and edible gummies go for as low as $19.99. When you compare the price of CBD versus a prescription drug such as Cymbalta (commonly prescribed to treat osteoarthritis) which is $473 per bottle, you’ll quickly discover why seniors are upset about healthcare costs. Prescription drugs are over-priced to an extreme and even with medical insurance can be inaccessible to this vulnerable population.