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Cannabidiol in Epilepsy Treatment: Understanding CBD’s Role

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By: Juan Sebastian Chaves Gil

The therapeutic use of cannabidiol (CBD) is a subject of controversy. While its application to treat various conditions such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, or certain chronic pains is on the rise, scientific and clinical evidence regarding the effects of this component of cannabis remains limited. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that CBD has only been proven effective in some types of epilepsy after clinical trials, as research for other diseases is less advanced.

Several studies have shown the positive effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of refractory epilepsies, those that do not respond to conventional antiepileptic medications. However, neurologist Ángel Aledo Serrano warns about the need for caution and the importance of using it under the prescription and supervision of a neurologist.

There is a positive perception of CBD due to its natural origin, but Dr. Aledo emphasizes that it is crucial to adjust expectations, as it is not a universal remedy or healthier than other medications just because it comes from a plant.

In Spain, the only scientifically endorsed medication for certain epilepsies and authorized by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) is Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Epidyolex. This medication is indicated for Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis, all of which are rare epileptic syndromes that are difficult to control with conventional medications.

Dravet Syndrome, a common genetic epilepsy, was the first to demonstrate the beneficial effects of CBD. Its application began ten years ago with the case of Charlotte Figi, an American girl with this syndrome, whose epileptic seizures significantly improved with a CBD-rich and low-THC cannabis treatment.

 

Despite the proven efficacy in Dravet Syndrome, Epidyolex has recently obtained approval in Spain to treat epileptic seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disease.

Regarding administration, cannabidiol can be used in children and adults of various ages, although its effectiveness is not as supported in children under 2 years old due to a lack of research. Epidyolex is presented in syrup form and is taken twice a day, with precautions regarding dosage to avoid adverse effects. Dr. Aledo highlights that the use of CBD is not as common as other antiepileptics due to its specific indication for rare and severe epilepsies.

Additionally, he underscores that its high cost, approximately 1,000 euros per bottle of Epidyolex, also contributes to its limited use.

As for the effects, cannabidiol improves the quality of life by reducing the frequency and intensity of epileptic seizures, although it rarely eliminates them entirely. Moreover, it can have a positive impact on cognition and behavior.

However, potential adverse effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, and blood abnormalities, especially in liver transaminases, should be considered and monitored regularly.

Although Epidyolex is the only scientifically endorsed cannabidiol for epilepsy and is only available in hospital pharmacies, CBD is legally sold in parapharmacies in various forms and brands not scientifically tested. This poses risks as it lacks the necessary medical supervision, as the amount of cannabidiol and other components is not guaranteed and can vary, leading to intoxication or insufficient doses. Dr. Aledo emphasizes the importance of caution and consultation with a specialist in refractory epilepsies before resorting to products without scientific endorsement.



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Does Francis Ford Coppola Consume Weed

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His talent created Apocalypse Now, the Godfather movies and now Megalopolis – but does he consume marijuana?

He is a legend in the film industry and directed Apocalypse Now and the Godfather. He burst on onto the scene in the 1960s and 70s and brought in a new generation of movies. Known as one of the greatest directors of all time, he also went on to make a name in the wine industry. Displayed at one of the wineries are some of his five Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, two Palmes d’Or, and his British Academy Film Award (BAFTA). With all the creativity and pressure, does Francis Ford Coppola consume weed?

RELATED: Vinyls and Marijuana Go Together

The 60s and 70s were when weed came out of the closet and from New York to LA creatives, artists, celebrities and every day people tried a little. “Turn on, tune in, drop out” was the counterculture-era phrase popularized by Timothy Leary in 1966. The talented director was able to reflect the past and embrace the new with his film.  It was one of his early successes, Apocalypse Now, which  marijuana burst into the open. There are great clips of Dennis Hopper stoned on set.

Megalopolis could be the last major project film for the director, and it has taken him 40 years to get it made.  His unique approach is again make headlines with the team sharing he has spent hours on end smoking plenty of cannabis while everybody waited.

“I never took any drugs in my life at all except for some grass,” Coppola said. “I found that the effect that the grass would have on me is interesting. One, it would make me extremely focused, so if I was trying to evaluate a script or write a script, I wasn’t thinking of all the things where my feelings were hurt about this or I was worried about that.”

He added, “I’m sure grass affects different people in different ways. For me, I tended to be very focused. If I smoked a joint, I couldn’t fall asleep. I’d want to work. And often, I stayed up all night trying to rewrite a script.”

RELATED: How To Microdose Marijuana

A savoy businessman, he turns his passion into money. His love of wine had made him money with two wineries, his love of beauty and travel has brought him a luxury hotels and his love of cannabis has brought him into the industry. Coppola launched Sana Company in partnership with Humboldt Brothers in 2018 and released the brand known as The Grower’s Series.

 



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Cannabis Can Help Painful Menstrual Cramps

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It can be a miserable time of month – especially for those who suffer extreme pain….but cannabis can help.

It is a fact of life and comes almost like clockwork. Some 60% of woman have mild cramps during their period and about 5% to 15% report period pain that’s so severe that it affects their daily activities. Experts aren’t quite sure why some have more pain others.  Since this is a little research area, some scientist rely on everyone’s body is different. Symptoms include aching, throbbing pain or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen, pain in the hips, lower back and inner thighs along with nausea, dizziness and headaches.  The good news is cannabis can help painful menstrual cramps.

RELATED: Can CBD Help With PMS?

Some simple ways to help reduce the pain is to ensure you have enough rest and avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes. Cannabis is proven to have medical benefits, especially with inflammation and pain relief. Marijuana expands blood vessels which helps reduce cramps, and relieve headaches and other minor pain. It is also fast acting, often quicker than natural or other medicines.

Photo by IRA_EVVA/Getty Images

While edibles and smoking may help, many women are turning to topicals and cannabis suppositories for pain relief. With 50% of the country having access to legal weed, it can be considered a viable option.  While more research needs to be done, anecdotal data indicts it can help and quickly.

Suppositories or cannabis tampons can provide quick pain relief. They take around 15 minutes to work, and directly affect the pelvis muscles and uterus, relaxing the insides and reducing tension. Best to use them right before bed or when you’re going to be laying down for a while. Relax, and be sure to wear something for the sake of your underwear.

Another way is cannabis bath salts. An effective way to combat pain and period cramps is relaxation, which can be facilitated with a nice long bath and some fancy bath salts.  They can provide relief for up to 5 hours but might leave you a little loopy afterwards.

RELATED: The Best Tips To Up Your Intimacy Game While High

A cannabis balm can be used anywhere on the body, including the the site of the cramps.  It is an analgesic, so if the cramps are particularly powerful, add a spoonful of the balm to the insides of your vagina and let it melt. Do this when you have time to let the balm do it’s work.

Studies have shown can also lift moods, and more than just temporarily.  Marijuana can also help minimize mood swings and bring overall mood stability. Cannabis can aid in the regulation of our brain’s neurotransmitters which can help us get better control of our emotions.



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$187,000 pot leadership post opens up to nationwide search

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The continued success of the Bay State’s legal weed business will need a “tough, strategic thinker” to oversee day-to-day administration of the agency in charge of the $7 billion pot industry, according to the Cannabis Control Commission.

The CCC has begun a nationwide job search for its second Executive Director, the person responsible for “administering and enforcing Massachusetts statutes and regulations regarding the state’s marijuana industry and reports to the five Commissioners who are appointed by the governor, state Treasurer, and Attorney General for expertise in public health, public safety, social justice, regulated industries, and corporate management/finance/securities.”

The about $187,000 per year job, according to Commissioner Bruce Stebbins, is an “exciting opportunity” for anyone willing to “plan and make difficult decisions to execute the competing priorities of an independent state agency that regulates a still-federally illegal substance.”

Read the rest of this story on BostonHerald.com.



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