Medical Marijuana for Seizures: What You Need to Know

About 3.4 million Americans experience active epilepsy, and many more suffer from seizures due to brain tumors, strokes, and metabolic disorders. A growing number of people are exploring nonpharmaceutical treatment options, such as medical marijuana, to manage seizures and potentially reduce their frequency.

At MediCalm, which serves residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey via convenient telehealth appointments, board-certified medical marijuana physician Kimberlee Park, DO, counsels patients on medical marijuana use, including for epilepsy. In this month’s blog, we explain how medical marijuana may help with seizure control and highlight some key considerations.

Why people use medical marijuana for seizures

Many who suffer with seizures take prescription medication to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. However, some of these drugs present side effects, such as drowsiness, blurred vision, and nausea, which can make going to work or managing other responsibilities challenging. 

As a result, a growing number of folks are turning to alternative treatments, including medical marijuana. While many users report positive results, scientific research is lagging, due in part to marijuana being illegal at the federal level. 

Even so, available data suggests marijuana works, especially when it’s rich in certain components, like cannabidiol. 

Potential benefits of medical marijuana for seizures

The marijuana plant contains hundreds of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. These substances interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a vital role in various bodily processes.

The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is what gives marijuana its “high,” while CBD has no psychoactive effects. 

Although more research is needed, preliminary findings suggest CBD is particularly effective at reducing seizures, because it binds to specific signaling systems in the brain that may trigger them. Other research suggests CBD can reduce neuron excitability and brain inflammation, which also contribute to seizures. 

These findings were so convincing that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a CBD-based prescription called Epidiolex in 2018 to treat two rare types of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.

Potential risks and considerations

Despite the FDA’s approval, more work is needed to confirm CBD and marijuana’s efficacy in managing seizures. Currently, there’s a lack of long-term studies on the plant’s ability to relieve different seizure types and its safety profile. 

Because of this, partnering with a qualified medical marijuana provider like Dr. Park is essential. 

How to get medical marijuana for seizures

If you’re interested in exploring marijuana as a treatment for your seizures, the first step is scheduling a medical marijuana consultation. Dr. Park provides medical marijuana consultations for residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

Even though recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey, going through a licensed provider offers an extra level of safety. Because she is familiar with different cannabis strains and their medicinal properties, Dr. Park can make recommendations that align with your symptoms and health history. She can also monitor your treatment over time and make adjustments to your care plan as necessary.

Request a medical marijuana consultation today

Seizure control is something many people with epilepsy and other seizure disorders dream of, and a natural treatment approach with medical marijuana may help. To request a medical marijuana consultation, contact MediCalm. Call our appointment line at 484-440-9494 or book online. We look forward to providing you with better seizure control.