Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by uncontrollable twitching of the arms or legs and/or seizures. One in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy during their lifetime, according to statistics published by the Epilepsy Foundation. Conventional treatment to mitigate symptoms of this disorder includes medications or, sometimes, surgery. Nonetheless, even with conventional treatment, an estimated 30 percent of people with epilepsy continue to experience seizures.

Parents of epileptic children have long advocated in favor of the therapeutic efficacy of cannabis, in particular the use of CBD-rich products, in media reports and in scientific surveys.

Similarly, a 2016 Israeli study retrospectively evaluated the effects of plant-derived CBD oil in a multicenter cohort of 74 patients with intractable epilepsy. Investigators reported: “CBD treatment yielded a significant positive effect on seizure load. Most of the children (89 percent) reported reduction in seizure frequency. … In addition, we observed improvement in behavior and alertness, language, communication, motor skills, and sleep.”

Source: Epilepsy Foundation