Impact of Medical Marijuana on Kids with Seizures and Chemotherapy Nausea

Millions of parents across the world are asking themselves if their ill children would not benefit from known medical marijuana health benefits, and if yes, how safe it is or how to dose it. Scientists consider medical cannabis extremely beneficial for treating some conditions in children, but they insist on taking the cautious approach when administering it to extremely young patients.

Giving pot to children remains a highly contentious issue, but it is also extremely effective at treating some of the worst symptoms afflicting epileptics and those enduring chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. According to Pediatrics, a new study published recently shows young patients enjoying immense relief from epileptic seizures and chemotherapy-related nausea after taking medical cannabis.

For the study in Pediatrics, scientists meta-analyzed the results of 22 related studies on administering medical marijuana to young children and teenagers to conclude their findings. The researchers determined that, of all the chemical constituents in marijuana plants, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, was the most effective at relieving nausea and vomiting in young cancer patients.

On the other hand, cannabidiol, or CBD, is the cannabinoid that reduces both the severity and frequency of seizures in young epileptics. These results only add additional evidence that proves the effectiveness of medical cannabis, especially in those cases where children do not respond well to contemporary medical treatment.

In speaking to Healthline, Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, explained. He said, “The real-world results of these programs indicate that cannabinoids can play a role in pediatric care, particularly in the treatment of life-threatening seizures, and that they can do so in a manner that is sometimes safer and more effective than conventional treatments.”

Cannabis Not Effective in Every Case

Although medical marijuana can treat the side effects of cancer treatment and epileptic seizures, the researchers concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support its ability to treat other medical conditions afflicting children, of which there are many. They wrote in their findings that they did not find any medical marijuana health benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder, neuropathic pain, or Tourette’s syndrome in young kids.

In the past, some medical organizations issued warnings to parents about administering medical marijuana to young children and teenagers, citing serious risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics is one of them. It previously cautioned parents of the associated hazards, which according to its doctors; include mental health problems, such as anxiety, and weakened memory function and motor skills.

Dr. Shane Shucheng Wong, lead author of the study and psychiatry expert at Harvard University, said that, “Our research supports the AAP’s concerns that cannabis can be harmful to children’s brains. Studies of children and adolescents who use recreational cannabis, particularly frequent use of high potency cannabis over longer periods of time, suggest negative effects of learning, memory, attention, and problem-solving ability.”

Dose Wisely

It is for this reason that parents should pay special attention to dosing, which is of crucial importance for children. The Food & Drug Administration, or FDA, currently only approves the use of two synthetic cannabinoids, namely nabilone and dronabinol. Both effectively treat vomiting and nausea in adults and young kids, and the AAP recognizes these two drugs as suitable for treating those ailments.

Wong explained, “The academy’s guidelines also recognize that cannabis may be an option for debilitating conditions, which includes seizures from epilepsy disorders.” Authors of the study insist that parents be judicious with pediatric dosing, as the potential psychoactive effects of too much THC can be frighteningly overwhelming for little children.

Dosing is extremely difficult, however. Marijuana in its natural form, being the actual leaves and flowers, contains varying levels of cannabinoids, which are very strain-specific. No two plants are the same, and potency will depend enormously on how much THC a particular strain generally produces. The same is true of edibles and marijuana extracts, such as oils and tinctures, which are notoriously tricky to dose.

Medical Marijuana Buy Online

Parents can save money if they look for a good medical marijuana buy online. There are so many deals available. However, the varying chemical makeup and potency of products can be confusing and inappropriately challenging for parents treating young kids. To ensure the correct dose, discuss your child’s medical marijuana requirements at length with his or her doctor.