The Effects Of Medicinal Marijuana

What About Side Effects?

Every drug you take, whether it is pharmaceutical or recreational, will have some level of side effects. With marijuana, it often depends on how it is taken, so for example, if it is smoked the side effects are related to the smoking action. Because medicinal marijuana is taken internally and not inhaled, the smoking-related side effects are not relevant. However, the most common side effects of Epidiolex were fatigue, sleepiness, decreased appetite and diarrhea. They were generally reported to be either mild or moderate effects, and they usually went away after a period of time.

So Should Medicinal Marijuana Be Given For Epilepsy?

For some people with epilepsy the drugs that are usually used to treat the condition just don’t work. It is estimated that about 30% if epileptics are not controlled on pharmaceutical medications, and in this situation, medicinal marijuana should be considered. There are a lot of restrictions, rules and regulations regarding availability and who should be given the marijuana, and it is only possible to gain access to it through a specialized treatment center. All conventional treatment options must be pursued first before consideration is given to using medicinal marijuana.

Medicinal marijuana is not available in most countries, and within parts of the United States, there are only certain states that allow its use. It is likely to stay this way until further research has been undertaken, using a much broader group of people with epilepsy and the different forms of the disease. Whether or not you should take medicinal marijuana is something that must be discussed with your regular medical provider.

READ The State (And States) Of Medical Marijuana In 2013

As mentioned before, all drugs even pharmaceutical ones carry a level of risk and side effects. The decision comes down to the condition of the individual, and whether the benefits of taking the drug outweigh the risk. For those with epilepsy, many would consider it worth trying, as living with this disease can be physically, mentally and emotionally debilitating. It can greatly hinder the sufferer’s ability to have a normal life.

Conclusion

Medicinal marijuana use for epilepsy is in the early stages, and whilst it may not be appropriate for everyone, it certainly seems to have a place in the treatment of epilepsy. The side effects are generally minimal in comparison to the effects of conventional treatments, and there is no risk of getting ‘high’ on it. I personally have a brother who has battled epilepsy for more than 30 years, and has been through many trials and tribulations regarding medication and management. Perhaps if medicinal marijuana was available when he was younger, he may have had a very different life.