Marijuana can be used to treat severe epilepsy in children

There is a possibility that marijuana could be used to treat people, with severe epilepsy. This is according to research conducted at the NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. Through the use of the liquid oil extracts found in this plant referred to as cannabis plant, children with epilepsy can have access to better quality life.

The same has been proved through the story of a boy who is said to have suffered close to 25 seizures in a day. According Megan, Hank’s mother, his epilepsy was so severe that it could not be controlled by any medication.

Hank happened to participate in a trial that was testing whether Marijuana could help in his condition. Epidiolex, which is a Marijuana liquid, was administered to him and was said to be safe for use in kids simply because there is no THC in it.

“There were instant results with amazing changes to his condition. He was all smiles and seizures decreased,” said parents. “His cognitive skills with therapy were back,” parents exclaimed.

Hank was among 213 people who participated in this trial within the average age of 11 and whose cases of epilepsy were severe. After a daily dose of the drug either by Orem or by mouth, it was found that the seizures attacks on participants had reduced by close to 54%.

According to Dr. Linda Laux, who was one of the researchers, some of the notable changes especially in kids included increased attention, better behavior, and improved sleep besides better cognitive concentration.

Epidiolex is derived from cannabidiol; that is a non–psychoactive compound that is extracted from the cannabis plant.

While there seems to be more evidence that this medication can be used to treat the epilepsy condition, there I still not enough proof to tag to. However, more energy is being driven towards more scientific studies to get to the bottom of it.

This was stated by a pediatric neurologist who leads the Epidiolex research mainly at Texas Children Hospital.