Cannabis has a historical association with the management of seizures, dating back to ancient times [3]. Within cannabis, two key cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), play significant roles. In the realm of epilepsy and seizure management, CBD takes the forefront as the primary cannabinoid of interest.
Physicians employ CBD in various ways, either as a complement to pharmaceutical treatments or as a standalone approach when tending to individuals with epilepsy [2]. However, CBD has garnered particular attention in the context of Dravet syndrome. This form of epilepsy is characterized by its resistance to conventional medications, yet it has displayed encouraging responses to CBD therapy.
CBD has also earned widespread recognition because nearly one-third of epilepsy patients do not experience favorable outcomes with pharmaceutical interventions [3]. Moreover, the undesirable and often disruptive side effects associated with anticonvulsant drugs have propelled the exploration of CBD as an alternative solution for epilepsy management.
Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Although the precise mechanism by which CBD reduces seizures in humans remains elusive, CBD exhibits an affinity for multiple types of receptors in the body due to the wide reach of the endocannabinoid system [2]. CBD’s interaction with these receptors results in the functional adjustment of neuronal excitability, a phenomenon relevant to the pathology of epilepsy. The biological targets of CBD in epilepsy are thought to be transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), the orphan G protein-coupled receptor-55 (GPR55), and the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT-1).
Since THC is not beneficial for the treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders and is not appropriate for use by children and teens, Epidiolex may be the most appropriate medical marijuana option. Epidiolex is a prescription medication that contains cannabidiol (CBD) as its active ingredient [1]. It is the first and only FDA-approved cannabis-derived drug in the United States. Epidiolex is specifically used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. It is available in an oral solution form and is administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Epidiolex is different from most other CBD products available in the market because it is subject to strict regulations and quality control standards [1]. It has undergone extensive clinical testing to prove its safety and efficacy for the treatment of these specific forms of epilepsy. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 and is available by prescription from a healthcare provider.
Best Cannabis Strains for Epilepsy and Seizure
Aside from the option of Epidiolex, your medical marijuana doctor may deem it appropriate for you to use cannabis. If that is the case, you will want to look for strains that are high in CBD and very low in THC. These strains are more appropriately called hemp flower since the term marijuana implies a significant THC content. With that in mind, here are some high CBD strains to consider.
- Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web, a hemp strain notable for its high CBD and low THC content, has a profound and heartwarming origin. This strain owes its name and fame to a young girl named Charlotte Figi, who grappled with the challenges of Dravet syndrome. After exploring various treatments with limited success, Charlotte’s parents turned to cannabis oil as a potential solution. However, they encountered a significant hurdle in their quest for a product with minimal THC.
In their time of need, the Stanley Brothers of Colorado entered the picture. They introduced a strain initially dubbed “Hippie’s Disappointment,” characterized by its extraordinary 30:1 CBD-to-THC ratio and an absence of intoxicating effects. Later, this strain was rightfully rebranded as “Charlotte’s Web.” The journey of Charlotte’s Web soon captured the nation’s attention, thanks in part to endorsements from Dr. Sanjay Gupta. His previously skeptical views on cannabis were profoundly influenced by the efficacy of low-THC strains like Charlotte’s Web. Success stories from both young patients and adults further emphasized the strain’s ability to mitigate seizures and its potential therapeutic benefits.
One of Charlotte’s Web’s most compelling attributes is its ability to address a spectrum of conditions, including anxiety, stress, pain, inflammation, and seizures, owing to its rich CBD content. It is particularly cherished for its capacity to induce a sense of tranquility and relaxation without subjecting users to the intoxicating effects commonly associated with THC. Charlotte’s Web also boasts a flavor profile characterized by earthy and herbal notes that mirror its aroma. When consumed, it provides a gentle and pleasing taste, appreciated by those who prefer a straightforward and uncomplicated experience. The strain’s dominant terpenes include myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
- Berry Blossom
Berry Blossom, a CBD-rich hemp cultivar, was meticulously developed through the crossbreeding of Cherry Kandahar and Chardonnay. Its buds boast a light green hue adorned with occasional purple accents, while the flavor profile carries floral notes with hints of candied raspberries and acai berries. The aroma of Berry Blossom is nothing short of remarkable, greeting the senses with a sweet and fruity essence, evoking thoughts of ripe berries.
When consumed, Berry Blossom provides a delightful fusion of berry-like sweetness complemented by subtle herbal undertones, resulting in a smooth and appealing flavor profile. This delightful flavor profile aligns harmoniously with the strain’s primary terpenes caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable taste experience.
With its high CBD content and minimal THC presence, Berry Blossom is renowned for its capacity to induce a sense of calm and relaxation without disorienting effects. It has garnered attention from medical cannabis users seeking relief from conditions like anxiety, stress, pain, and inflammation.
- ACDC
ACDC, a CBD-dominant cannabis strain derived from a Cannatonic phenotype, is a versatile option suitable for individuals of all experience levels. With its extremely low THC content, ACDC ensures that even novices can partake without apprehension of experiencing intoxicating effects. This strain provides a welcoming and reassuring entry point for those interested in exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
Renowned for its ability to alleviate anxiety, stress, and pain, ACDC is the preferred choice for those in pursuit of relief without the customary euphoric “high.” Medical cannabis patients, in particular, favor ACDC for its potential effectiveness in addressing conditions such as anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, and chronic pain.
The dominant terpenes within the ACDC strain are myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. These terpenes contribute to the strain’s nuanced profile, which includes subtle earthy, woody, herbal, and citrus notes in both aroma and flavor. ACDC offers a well-rounded experience, making it a versatile and accommodating option for a wide array of users.
- Elektra
Elektra is a hemp strain celebrated for its high CBD content. It is known for inducing relaxation and tranquility without any intoxicating effects. Elektra boasts a terpene profile dominated by myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, with minor terpenes contributing to its unique flavor combination of wood, earth, pine, and citrus. Particularly esteemed among medical cannabis users, Elektra is cherished for its ability to alleviate pain, anxiety, and inflammation while keeping sedation at bay. This high-CBD strain inherits its genetic lineage from ACDC and Early Resin Berry, ensuring a non-intoxicating and therapeutic experience.
- The Wife
The hemp strain known as “The Wife,” or simply “Wife,” stands out as a high-CBD variety with an impressive 20:1 CBD to THC ratio. What distinguishes this CBD-rich strain is its reputation for inducing a profound sense of relaxation and its distinctive floral cherry flavor. The delightful flavor profile is the result of a harmonious blend of major terpenes, including myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, as well as minor terpenes such as limonene, humulene, linalool, and bisabolol. The primary and most noticeable effect of the Wife strain is a powerful wave of tranquility that washes over users, accompanied by an increased sense of calm and a soothing relief from bodily aches and discomfort.
References
- FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy. (2018 June, 25) U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms
- Gray, R. A., & Whalley, B. J. (2020). The proposed mechanisms of action of CBD in epilepsy. Epileptic Disorders, 22, S10-S15. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1684/epd.2020.1135
Zaheer, S., Kumar, D., Khan, M. T., Giyanwani, P. R., & Kiran, F. (2018). Epilepsy and Cannabis: A Literature Review. Cureus, 10(9), e3278. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6235654/
