CBD is an effective medicine for epilepsy

Cannabidiol, or CBD, continues to gain a reputation as a potent source of medical relief. CBD is one of the cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant alongside the other primary cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), although there are several others found in cannabis as well as the body.

As an effective anti-inflammatory, it has been found to be effective in studies and tests conducted on various problems such as anxiety and depression. A double blind study was conducted on 24 patients suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder or SAD, wherein half the subjects received a 600mg dose of CBD while the others received a placebo.

The experimental group was characterized by reduced anxiety and enhanced levels of comfort and cognitive functionality when immersed in a public speaking exercise, while the placebo group showed higher levels of alert, anxiety, and general discomfort from being in front of an audience.

By stimulating the endocannabinoid system which has receptors throughout the body and in many vital organs, cannabinoids such as CBD can strengthen the body’s resistance to disease and other ailments. This results in a more capable and healthy system that is responsible for critical functions such as sleep, appetite, and emotional balance.

The positive testing and results have led CBD to be used by a variety of people for stress relief as well as those who benefit considerably from its mellowing sensations without any psychoactive effects, allowing it to play a versatile role in providing physical and emotional relief for a wide demographic.

As CBD generally contains minimal amounts of THC, it has become popular for those who indulge in it as a way to access the therapeutic effects without the disorienting sensations of getting high.

CBD is available through brands such as PotNetwork Holdings, Inc. (OTCMKTS:POTN), which extracts CBD oil from organic hemp to produce a variety of cannabidiol products such as edible gummies, candy pops, vape additives, tinctures, and drinkables. This helps to accommodate the wide base of CBD enthusiasts, allowing them to indulge at their convenience, whether through consumption of edibles or a simple dose of CBD oil under the tongue for quick absorption.

Epilepsy is characterized by seizures of varying levels and severity, but all seizures are caused by a surge of electrical brain activity. There are two types of seizures, with those affecting the entire brain being referred to as generalized seizures, while those affecting a certain portion or region are called focal seizures.

The cause of epilepsy can be difficult to diagnose, and there is no cure as of yet.

Studies on CBD and its ability to treat patients suffering from epilepsy have garnered much attention, as it has shown its potency in reducing seizures that can occur at frequent intervals, helping improve the well-being and quality of life for those who suffer from conditions like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

This resulted in the landmark development of Epidiolex, the very first CBD derived pharmaceutical to be approved by the FDA specifically to help treat various cases of epilepsy by reducing the number of seizures that were induced.

According to a study conducted by Dr. Orrin Devinsky, director of NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in New York City, lower doses of CBD were shown to potentially be the key to effectively treating patients suffering from epilepsy.

In a trial involving 225 patients and three different groups with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, the group that was administered 20 mg of Epidiolex saw their seizures reduced by 42%, while the group taking 10mg had 37 percent less. There was also a 17 percent reduction in the placebo group.

Interestingly, parents actually replied that the 10mg dose seemed to be ideal, as it resulted in fewer side effects such as fatigue and lower appetite. “Compared to other drugs used to treat epilepsy, I think Epidiolex, which is 99-percent pure cannabidiol, has a better side-effect profile than many of the available drugs,” Devinsky said.

The successful results of CBD testing on its efficacy in treating epilepsy, combined with the creation of Epidiolex, has led to increased acceptance of CBD oil as an effective medicine for epileptic patients who have been unable to find relief from other sources of treatment.

For example. The Texas Compassionate Use Act enabled licensed businesses to prescribe CBD for patients with prescriptions. This was an important form of legislation as prior to its approval, some parents were resorting to any and all CBD products in a desperate attempt to help their children suffering from seizures.

However, there are still restrictions that make it difficult to broaden access to those who could benefit from it besides epileptic patients. In order to obtain CBD through the measure, patients must get approval from two of the 42 doctors that are officially registered to prescribe CBD, and only those who have administered two different types of medicine with unsuccessful results are eligible.

Furthermore, as cannabis is a federally banned substance, this has made CBD quite costly to procure, as insurance and other sources of easing the financial burden aren’t available for those wishing to get their hands on the cannabinoid oil.

CBD typically costs hundreds to obtain, and Epidiolex has been attached to a $32,500 a year price tag, making it inaccessible for the majority.

With the initial round of successful testing and results, it will be critical to conduct more trials on its ability to treat not just epilepsy, but other forms of medical ailments and conditions in order to tackle legal issues and democratize CBD use for a wider consumer base. Proven results will help whittle away at even the most ardent of cannabis detractors, allowing for more people to benefit from its use without fear of legal repercussions.