Epilepsy
Connecticut’s New Medical Marijuana Program
On May 17th, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signed a new bill into law addressing previous concerns about minors not having access to medical marijuana should they need it. Before the bill, Connecticut was the only state with a legalized medical marijuana program that excluded patients under the age of 18. House Bill 5450 calls for […]
Reaching Out When Your World is Rocked by Tay-Sachs: An Interview with Lorelei Sandoval
Lorelei Sandoval is a 36 year old Registered Nurse living in San Diego with her husband and five year old son, Isaac in San Diego county. I met Lorelei at a women’s cannabis community meeting last month and was eager to share her story. We spoke by phone as she readied Isaac for a day […]
Largest Study to Date Finds CBD Cannabinoid Helpful For Children with Epilepsy
Providing some much-needed hope for parents of kids suffering from severe forms of epilepsy, a new study provides further evidence that marijuana’s non-psychoactive cannabinoid, Cannabidiol (a.k.a. CBD), offers a safe and effective form of anti-epileptic therapy. As parents and guardians of epileptic children have been scrambling to obtain those few strains known to be high […]
Florida Sprouts 5 Medical Marijuana Cultivation Sites
Medical marijuana is beginning to take root in Central Florida –– and it’s about time.
After nearly a year of compromise and much legal wrangling in the Sunshine State, the Department of Health has finally designated the five nurseries allowed to produce and dispense a non-psychoactive form of medical marijuana. The long-overdue decision has finally pushed Florida’s reluctant politicians into implementing the 2014 voter approved legislation. Allowing for the cultivation, extraction, and distribution of low THC marijuana concentrates that are high in cannabidiol, or CBD.
Florida’s 2014 medical marijuana law initially passed as a means of helping patients suffering with epilepsy and life-threatening cases of advanced cancer. To qualify for the high-CBD marijuana recommendation, patients should apply to the Compassionate Use Registry once evaluated and diagnosed by a board-certified doctor.
Florida’s 5 New Medical Marijuana Cultivators
- Costa Nursery Farms – Southeast Region.
- Alpha Foliage – Southwest Region.
- Knox Nursery – Central Region.
- Hackney Nursery – Northwest Region.
- Chestnut Hill Tree Farm – Northeast Region.
Florida’s sick and suffering were theoretically to already have access to the high-CBD strains beginning Jan. 1, when physicians that participated in special training were anticipated to start ordering their low-THC marijuana. Unfortunately, that timeline was pushed back due to complicated lawsuits and a judge’s assessment that rejected the Department of Health’s first attempt at fulfilling the will of the people… and the law.
Moving forward, new medical marijuana legislation is slowly making its way through the political process. Provided Florida’s House and Senate wake up and smell the cannabinoids, the passage of Florida’s newest legislation would expand the patient base by allowing for more medical conditions to be covered under the “right to try” state law.
Compassionate Christie No More?
The bumps in the road for New Jersey’s medical marijuana program have been well documented. The program was initially approved by exiting Governor Corzine on his last day in office four years ago. Current Governor Chris Christie was never a fan of medical marijuana and tried every strategy at his disposal to delay the start of the program.
In the last year however, it seemed Governor Christie was softening his stance and attempting to get himself in line with the views of the rest of the country. He vowed to stay out of the way of the laws and New Jersey finally had a dispensary open in Montclair about a year ago. Although there are very strict parameters set to qualify for medical marijuana, the Garden State appeared to be on the right track. Over the summer, New Jersey residents Meghan and Brian Wilson brought a new medical marijuana discussion to the state. Their daughter suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare but extreme form of epilepsy. As many parents are finding out across the country, marijuana is emerging as one of the most reliable treatments for the condition as traditional medications provide many side effects and do not eliminate the seizures effectively.
A few months back, Governor Christie approved some legislative changes to the medical marijuana program after a public confrontation in a diner where the Wilson’s begged the governor to help their daughter survive. These changes now permit the Wilson’s daughter to receive treatment with cannabis. Unfortunately the strains and necessary information the Wilson’s need are not currently available in New Jersey. They are now pushing the New Jersey legislature to pass a new bill that would allow them to get the necessary medication they need out of state. This has angered Christie, who has reverted back to his more rigid anti medical marijuana stance. In regards to the new bill Governor Christie resorted to what sounded like bully tactics. In what seems to be an oversimplification, the Governor said “See this is what happens. Every time you sign one expansion, then the advocates will come back and ask for another one. Here’s what the advocates want, they want legalization of marijuana in New Jersey. It will not happen on my watch, ever. I am done expanding the medical marijuana program under any circumstances. So we’re done.”
The Wilson’s may see it a bit differently as their daughter’s quality of life is on the line. They do not see themselves as an engine to push legalization. Brian Wilson responded to Governor by saying “There’s no outpouring of people signing up for this program’ because who wants to spend $200 on sign-up fees plus the countless doctors fees, not covered by insurance, to participate in a program that cannot serve the current client base?” Medical marijuana may be a difficult political issue for the conservative Christie as he already has a problem with the Republican base for being too liberal. Unfortunately, on his way to a White House bid the Governor may be alienating everyone as few people are against medical marijuana these days.
Sick Children Finding Relief with Marijuana
It’s been an eventful week for marijuana updates. We already discovered another new study that highlights ale cannabis to battle cancer cells. There are also updates on child patients looking for medicinal marijuana.
In Arizona, you will find no age limitations in being approved for legal medicinal marijuana use. However, you will find strict rules regarding the meaning of cannabis. Under Arizona law, any combination of created using dried marijuana flowers is suitable. Jacob and Jennifer Welton’s boy needs medical cannabis. The boy’s parents crush marijuana into applesauce for him to consume. Regrettably, after nuclear physics this past year, his capability to eat has bee reduced. Consequently, the Welton’s are trying to find marijuana extract, which may be given far simpler, sometimes in droplet form. However, extracts are illegal and Maricopa County attorney, Bill Montgomery has formerly stated patients could be criminally punished for implementing extracts as they do not satisfy the strict meaning of “cannabis” in Arizona. The Welton’s don’t want to go to the underground community to be able to obtain relief for his or her boy. “We’re not crooks,” Ms. Welton lately stated. “We simply want what’s perfect for our boy.” They are attempting to bring awareness for their situation to be able to alter the strict meaning of marijuana in Arizona.
 
The Welton’s might find inspiration in the Wilson family in Nj. Following a lengthy and public fight, which incorporated a plea from John Wilson to Governor Christie in a diner to make certain his daughter didn’t die, New Jersey congress removed the majority of the obstacles stopping children from being able to access medicinal marijuana. The Wilson’s daughter, Vivian, is affected with an uncommon and debilitating from of epilepsy known as dravet syndrome. Her seizures are intense and many traditional medications have produced virtually no results. Limits around the strains allowed available were removed, and today the Wilson’s can buy strains which are effective against epilepsy. However, food items continue to be unavailable at shops, so Vivian’s parents need to prepare the cannabis and infuse it into food. Now the Wilson’s were finally in a position to legally buy the medicinal marijuana they require from Compassionate Care Foundation.
The thought of children medicating was but still is taboo in lots of circles. However, the thought of watching children suffer when treatments can be found has become the growing taboo. Epilepsy can devastate a child’s quality of existence, and it’s important to supply kids with every opportunity to live a proper and normal existence.
Marijuana Like Compound in Brain Shows Fragile X Syndrome May Be Treatable
The federal government has shown an unwillingness to entertain operational changes. In particular, federal authorities still prefer to suppress the monumental potential of medical marijuana as it is an uncomfortable topic because it may require regulation, rescheduling, and the admission of an almost 100 year mistake.
Medical marijuana breakthroughs are occurring at a frequent rate. Last week alone, marijuana.net reported on a breakthrough that showed cannabis had the potential to fight epilepsy. Perhaps even more groundbreaking was a study that showed components of marijuana had the ability to slow the spreading of cancer cells. Of course this builds on years research that have shown marijuana to be a miracle of sorts, and has demonstrated promise in fighting chronic pain, muscle conditions, MS, complications related to chemotherapy, glaucoma, the spreading of HIV/AIDS, nausea, PTSD etc (it would take too much time to list them all).
Fragile X Syndrome now joins the constantly growing list of medical conditions that may benefit from marijuana research. This complex condition is associated with autism and mental retardation in men and considered the most common cause of both. Fragile X syndrome is a mutation of the FMR1 gene in the X chromosome that is passed on by the mother. This mutation can result in mental disability, hyperactivity, physical disability, and language deficiencies.
The main problem has to do with messages and receptors in the brain. Researchers have now found that 2-AG, a marijuana like compound and endocannabinoid transmitter is showing considerable promise in reducing fragile x syndrome symptoms. Daniele Piomelli, a professor at UC Irvine was the lead researcher of the study and recently said “This compound is so important in regulating neural transmission in the brain that it seemed possible that it might be involved in a disease that is so devastating on brain function.” When the 2-AG signal is boosted, it appears the brain will relay the correct messages, at least in lab mice. Proffessor Piomelli explained “We asked, ‘If we boost a little bit of that 2-AG signal, will it be enough to correct the problems that occur in fragile X mice? The answer was a resounding, Yes. We corrected the physiology, but most importantly, we corrected their behavior. The animals behaved just like normal animals. They didn’t have the fears and movement problems of those with fragile X.”
We are only now seeing the tip of the iceberg as decades of potential research have been lost due to senseless marijuana regulations. However, as groundbreaking discoveries that have eluded modern medicine for decades are coming through marijuana research, how long can we truly afford to look the other way. As politicians are desperate not to admit mistakes (see Mitt Romney Campaign), there is something admirable about those who stand up, admit fault, and reverse a century long problem.
British Discovery May Explain Why Boy With Epilepsy Benefits From Marijuana
Earlier this week we at marijuana.net were pleased to report findings on the newest marijuana initiative polls. The polls have been mostly favorable and show the public is ready to drastically change America’s approach to marijuana law. However, for those tired of numbers, the election, and Mitt Romney’s view on moochers and 47% of the country, we have some exciting news on a medical cannabis breakthrough.
Patient testimonials have shown for some time that marijuana can be an effective remedy for epileptic seizures. A recent L.A. Times article describes the findings researchers at Britain’s University of Reading. They found that a cannabinoid named cannabidivarin (CBDV) “strongly suppressed seizures” without causing the commonly associated side effects such as uncontrollable shaking during a test on lab rats. Dr. Ben Whalley, who was the lead researcher of the study was pleased to find a potential new path to combating epilepsy. He recently said “There is a pressing need for better treatments for epilepsy. It’s a chronic condition with no cure and currently, in around one third of cases, the currently available treatments do not work, cause serious side-effects and increase fatalities.”
The research findings, published this week in British Journal of Pharmacology may shed light on why California father, Jason David, has found that marijuana is the only effective treatment in trying to provide relief for his ailing son Jayden. Think Progress has posted an article describing Jason’s moving words regarding his son’s situation. In short, Jason stated that his son has uncontrollable seizures that so far were only treated with ineffective prescription drugs. Jason asked his physician if medical marijuana would be worth trying, and his doctor informed him that anything would be worth a try as doing nothing would likely result in Jayden’s death. The seizures were taking a toll on Jayden’s body and it became clear that something had to be done immediately, even if controversial. Jason turned to marijuana, but instead of smoking Jayden actually is given a solution comprised of mostly cannabidiol (CBD). Jayden’s condition was improved almost immediately. Jason described what happened when they started the treatment by saying “That was the first day, thank god, Jayden ever went seizure-free in his life. The prescription drugs, I feel like they made my son a zombie. Every time I take off another pill, the better he gets.”
Both the findings at the University of Reading and the situation. As authorities still try to assert that marijuana ‘has no acceptable medical uses” research is obliterating this outdated argument. More research and regulation may even be able to provide Jayden with tailored medicine to combat his epilepsy with even greater results. While Jason David is pleased to see his son doing better, he is now confronted with the possibility that his son’s medication may be compromised by federal authorities targeting the world’s largest marijuana dispensary, Harborside Health Center. Poll numbers and politics have a habit of melting in the true faces that policy impacts. Perhaps the feds should try to explain their platform on medical marijuana to young Jayden.
Update on Medical Marijuana Issues in Michigan
While the coastal areas of New York and California have dominated marijuana reform news lately, we would like to turn our attention today toward the middle of the country. Michigan approved medical marijuana legislation in 2008 and though Attorney General Bill Schuette has sought to bring an end to the program, advocates have rallied to ensure patient safety.
There was a major landmark court decision issued recently by the Michigan Supreme Court. In a unanimous decision the court upheld a voter approved statute that would protect patients even if they have not applied for a medical marijuana card. However, they would need a previous recommendation from a physician. The current decision stems from lower cases where individuals were arrested for marijuana possession but should have been protected under the voter approved law. Karen O’Keefe, an attorney with the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) was pleased with the victory. MPP sponsored the initiative to get Michigan’s medical marijuana program passed. Ms. O’Keefe did urge patients to register in order to avoid the stress of being arrested and any legal fees associated with it. However, the victory is huge and patients can seek relief quicker as they can get their recommendation and start medicating as they wait on their paperwork to be processed.
Another interesting development in Michigan has to do with the medical marijuana program’s inclusion of 44 minors under the age of 18. For many this is controversial at best, and maybe even downright wrong. However, we must ask ourselves if there would be any attention paid to these children if they were taking highly addictive opiates in order to combat pain. The Detroit Free Press recently ran an article that focuses on Cooper Brown, a 14 year old who is a Michigan cardholder and uses marijuana to relieve complications associated with Dravet Syndrome (a severe form of epilepsy that is untraceable and begins in infancy). Cooper’s mother, Rebecca Brown, says that his seizures have drastically reduced since he began using marijuana. In line with the growing trend, Rebecca relies on laboratories to select strains that are low in THC and high CBD (the cannabinoid associated with pain relief without feeling “stoned”). She does not permit him to smoke it and, instead, prepares it in his food.
Rebecca and Cooper highlight just how desperate the need for medical marijuana regulation is. Though Rebecca seems capable of selecting her son’s medicine, there should be much more information and professional recommendations available. The time for simply dismissing marijuana as taboo is not a luxury Rebecca Brown can afford. Her son needs help and a lack of information on the subject is simply unacceptable. Thankfully they live in Michigan where the Supreme Court’s decision and Cooper’s situation show that patients are still a high priority.