As a parent, there isn’t a much more helpless feeling than not being able to help your child overcome the pain associated with experiencing epileptic seizures. Prescribed medications are capable of helping in some situations, but in many cases they just aren’t enough.
Typically, that’s when parents tend to turn to medical marijuana as an alternative. Many parents know that medical marijuana is capable of providing relief to children suffering epileptic seizures, but they don’t know where to start.
Even though medical marijuana is still federally banned, there are a select few FDA-approved man-made medicines from marijuana cannabinoids. Additionally, parents in Ohio with children suffering from epilepsy can benefit from some of the products available at medical marijuana dispensaries.
To talk to a certified marijuana doctor about whether medical marijuana might be right for your child, give us a call at (866) 457-5559, or simply schedule an appointment online. For more insights about best practices for treating epilepsy in kids with medical marijuana, continue reading below.
The Legality of Treating Kids With Epilepsy With Medical Marijuana
For parents who know about the potential that medical marijuana has in treating epileptic seizures, much of the apprehension around using it for children is due to questions regarding the legality of it. The reality is that even though parents across the country have fought tirelessly for the nationwide legalization of medical marijuana, federal regulators have yet to change their stance.
Thankfully for the parents of children living with epilepsy, more and more states have entered the process of allowing residents to access medical marijuana.
According to The Epilepsy Foundation, all but two states allow for the use of medical marijuana to treat conditions like epilepsy. Outside of Idaho and Nebraska, parents should have no problem with accessing cannabis products that can help children overcome epileptic seizures.
The options for medical marijuana products that can provide relief to children suffering from epileptic seizures consist of both dispensary-purchased medical marijuana goods, and FDA-approved medications.
FDA Approved Cannabinoid Medications
There are numerous cannabidiol-based treatments for seizures that have the approval of the FDA, starting with Epidiolex which was approved back in 2018. Epidiolex was granted approval for helping people overcome seizures related to serious types of epilepsy, along with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet Syndrome. Epidiolex is taken orally, and should be taken twice per day. Early reviews from parents who have given Epidiolex to their children describe positive results thus far.
Parents can receive a prescription for Epidiolex through specialty pharmacies. Epidiolex is a brand-name, pharmaceutical-level CBD oil, but since CBD is derived from cannabis it’s natural for parents to ask if it can intoxicate their kids. Since there isn’t any THC present in Epidiolex, it doesn’t possess the ability to intoxicate kids.
Even though that’s the case, a small amount of THC being infused into CBD products can help amplify the therapeutic qualities within CBD. The only place to access CBD products that contain a small enough percentage of THC to provide relief without intoxication is at medical marijuana dispensaries.
Medical Marijuana as a More Affordable Alternative to Epidiolex
Although Epidiolex has been FDA approved, it’s not a viable option for many parents given the high price tag that it comes with. Even though in most cases it can be covered under medicaid or medicare, that doesn’t eliminate the challenge of successfully finding a pharmacy that prescribes it. When it comes to medical marijuana it’s not only a more affordable option, but it can be easier to find too.
Medical Marijuana Products For Epilepsy Available At Ohio Dispensaries
While medical marijuana can provide much needed relief for kids living with epilepsy, it’s likely preferable to go the route of products that don’t entail the inhalation of smoke of any kind. The best options for medical marijuana products that are effective in helping children overcome the pain and discomfort associated with epileptic seizures in that regard are:
Medical Marijuana Tinctures
CBD rich tinctures like the Firelands Scientific citrus tincture available at Rise Dispensaries are taken sublingually, and are highly effective at helping alleviate pain and discomfort. The CBD to THC concentration of this particular tincture is 312 mg of CBD, with 17.44 mg of THC.
Medical Marijuana Edibles
Medical marijuana edibles that can help children overcome epilepsy include the Tangahhhrine gummies that are available at Rise Dispensaries. The taste of the gummies may be delicious like the ones that are found in a lunch box, but these gummies possess levels of both CBD and THC that are capable of providing much-needed relief. The concentration of CBD to THC in this particular pack of gummies is 200 CBD/100 THC.
How to Begin Purchasing Medical Marijuana Products for Children With Epilepsy
Looking at the positives can be challenging when navigating life when helping a child you love overcome a condition like epilepsy. Even though that’s the case, it truly is a positive that parents in Ohio have the ability to access medical marijuana for children who are living with epilepsy.
Some parents have to drive several states, while living in fear of facing consequences for breaking state laws, in order to provide their children with the relief medical marijuana provides. On the other hand, parents in Ohio can schedule an appointment with a friendly, knowledgeable medical marijuana physician in order to get approved for a medical marijuana card.
Along with an evaluation, doctors can help work with parents and pediatricians on building a treatment plan with THC concentrations with the ideal dosage for your child. This is crucial for parents considering that the vast majority of products containing THC for sale at Ohio dispensaries contain too much for their bodies.
Remember, the physicians are there to help, so feel free to ask any questions you think will be necessary in providing your child with the absolutely best treatment plan possible. Doing so is quick, easy and could open the door to a happier, healthier life for your child than you ever imagined was possible.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.
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