Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the qualifying conditions in Missouri for medical marijuana. It is a common condition affecting the central nervous system and causes seizures, which are sudden dysregulated bursts of electrical hyperactivity in the brain that lead to temporary impairment.
Epilepsy is characterized by chronic, recurrent seizure episodes that can have different effects in various intensities. Some common seizure signs and symptoms can include:
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Temporary inability to communicate
- Impairment of movement, muscle jerks, or spasms
- Alteration of senses (sight, hearing, taste) or other cognitive functions
Medical Marijuana and Epilepsy Treatment
There have been extensive studies on the effects of medical marijuana in epilepsy treatment. Especially in patients with severe treatment-resistant epilepsies, studies on long-term CBD treatment show a significant reduction in seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome.
According to CDC, about 5.1 million people in the US have a history of epilepsy and 3.4 million have active epilepsy. Self-regulation and managing symptoms of seizures is a great challenge for patients living with epilepsy. Studies on the relationship between endocannabinoid receptors and brain activity suggest that marijuana can help with seizure management and alleviate discomfort.
Though the literature on marijuana and epilepsy still has room for advancement, the findings at hand seem promising. The FDA has already approved Epidiolex, a cannabidiol drug derived from marijuana, for epilepsy treatment.
Get Your Medical Card
If you struggle with epilepsy in Missouri, or seizures characteristic of epilepsy in the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma, you are legally eligible to access medical marijuana for epilepsy treatment. Our team of professionals is happy to help with your MMJ certification process every step of the way.
Begin your certification process today and apply for your Missouri cannabis card! If you have any questions on marijuana and epilepsy treatment, contact our team of medical professionals.