Introduction
There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Some people believe that marijuana can help with seizures, while others claim that it does more harm than good. This article will explore both sides of the argument and try to provide a clear answer as to whether or not weed helps with seizures.
Keep reading to learn more.
What are Seizures and What Causes Them?
Seizures are a neurological disorder that can cause changes in your behavior, movements, or sensations. Medical professionals believe that they are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
On the individual level, seizures can be caused by many things, including head injuries, brain tumors, strokes, and certain infections or illnesses. Some people have seizures that are not caused by any known medical conditions, an issue that’s referred to as idiopathic epilepsy.
There are many different types of seizures, and they can vary in severity. They can last for a few seconds or for several minutes. Some people only have one seizure in their lifetime, while others have recurrent seizures.
The most common type of seizure is the tonic-clonic seizure, which used to be called a grand mal seizure. This type of seizure results in muscle rigidity followed by jerking movements and loss of consciousness.
Other types of seizures include focal seizures, which only affect a small area of the brain, clonic seizures, which involve muscle jerking, and absence seizures, which cause a brief loss of consciousness.
Seizures can have a significant impact on your life. They can cause physical injuries, and they can also lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
How Does Weed Help with Seizures?
There is some evidence to suggest that weed can help with seizures. A study conducted on rats found that CBD, a compound found in cannabis, was effective in reducing the frequency of seizures.
Another study looked at a group of people with epilepsy and found that those who used cannabis had a significant reduction in the number of seizures they experienced.
The exact mechanisms by which cannabis helps with seizures is not fully understood, but it is thought that the compound CBD may help reduce seizure activity by interacting with the brain in a way that stabilizes electrical activity.
Risks of Using Weed to Treat Seizures
As with any treatment, there are potential risks associated with using weed to treat seizures. These risks are generally low, but they include such things as dry mouth, dizziness, impaired motor skills, and short-term memory loss.
It’s also important to note that marijuana is a Schedule I substance, which means it is illegal under federal law. This can make it difficult to obtain and use, especially in states where it is not legal.
Additionally, marijuana can interact with other medications you are taking, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before using it.
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence suggests that weed may be an effective treatment for seizures. However, more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms by which it works and to determine its long-term risks and benefits. If you are considering using weed to treat your seizures, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
John DiBella is a medical marijuana advocate, owner of The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, and a writer. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping and sailing.
