Can Medical Marijuana Be a Reliable Treatment for Severe Epilepsy?

The use of medical marijuana for treating various ailments has been a subject of both enthusiasm and skepticism. With specific reference to epilepsy, researchers are examining how substances in the brain that resemble marijuana could potentially influence seizures. At Stanford University School of Medicine, a study found that during epileptic seizures, the brain rapidly synthesizes and releases a substance known as 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which has a calming effect. This substance mirrors the psychoactive components of marijuana, suggesting a complex relationship between natural brain chemistry and the effects of cannabis.

At the same time, the cannabinoid receptor protein, which is a part of our body’s system for regulating the central nervous system among other functions, has been linked to controlling spontaneous seizures in epilepsy. This was highlighted in a study by Virginia Commonwealth University, pointing towards a critical role for ingredients found in marijuana.

However, while there are promising signals, there is also room for caution. For instance, a small study pointed to medical marijuana reducing monthly seizures by 86% among kids with severe epilepsy who had not responded to conventional treatment, including those unresponsive to Epidiolex, an FDA-approved treatment containing CBD. Yet, such studies are often limited in scale and scope, leading to uncertainty about long-term effects and optimal usage.

Medical marijuana’s most common use in the United States is for pain control, but it has also shown potential for a range of conditions including childhood seizure disorders. Despite the legality of medical cannabis in several states and the proliferation of products, understanding its impact, especially on cognitive functions, is still a developing area of research.

Concerns about cognitive effects are legitimate. For example, Harvard Health reports that long-term cannabis use can impact thinking, working memory, executive function, and psychomotor function. Such findings suggest that the decision to use medical marijuana, particularly for conditions like epilepsy, must be weighed with potential risks, especially considering the vulnerability of the developing brains in children.

While CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has been found to help reduce inflammation and neuropathic pain, according to research by the Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research, its efficacy and safety profile for a broader range of conditions still require more definitive evidence.

In conclusion, although there is anecdotal and preliminary scientific support for the use of medical marijuana in treating severe epilepsy, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed, it remains a domain fraught with unanswered questions. The balancing act between potential benefits and cognitive risks calls for a cautious and thoroughly-informed approach when considering medical marijuana as a treatment option.