Medical Marijuana for Children

Medical marijuana has been approved for use in many states but other states are still fighting to loosen the reins on cannabis, especially when it comes to medical marijuana for children. Research shows that, for many children, medical marijuana seems to be just the thing to helping improve symptoms of conditions from epilepsy, to various types of cancers, to autism, and back again. And for parents who see their children suffering day in and day out from conditions that would be reduced, or even eradicated, through the use of medical marijuana, they’ll jump through the hoops necessary to help their child.

Medical Marijuana’s Approval for Medical Uses

Medical marijuana effectively treats a wide variety of conditions as well as eases side effects associated with treatment for those conditions. Unfortunately, even though many states have approved marijuana for medical use and others have legalized it entirely, the federal government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug. And, while the stigma associated with marijuana declines each day as more people seek approval to obtain medical marijuana cards, a lot of the controversy remains in discussions about medical marijuana for children.

Medical Marijuana for Children

With the fast-growing list of medical cannabis benefits and the widespread interest of parents looking for any means to help their children, many argue that doctors should be able to present medical cannabis as an option for treating children without fearing for their reputations or the risk of being stigmatized. 

Epilepsy is just one condition for which medical marijuana is a commonly accepted treatment. Epidiolex—a purified, 99% oil-based CBD extract from the cannabis plant—has been shown to reduce seizures, especially in children, up to 54%. Consider that there are approximately 470,000 children (0–17 years) living with epilepsy in the U.S. As more doctors turn to medical marijuana as a treatment for epilepsy in children, it’s gaining a reputation as a sort of “wonder drug.” The hardship related to getting drug trials approved is that it must be approved by three different federal agencies, which proves difficult for any type of drug trial let alone one with minors involved.

The Biggest Barrier to MMJ for Children

The biggest barrier stopping children from getting medical marijuana is the lack of cannabis culture in America today. Cannabis is still viewed as an “illegal” drug and, although people are becoming more open to the idea that a cannabis culture for medical purposes can offer huge benefits, it’s a slow process. As more medical experts and parents become more informed on the topic of medical marijuana, we hope to break down the stereotype and create a society where a cannabis culture including medical marijuana is acceptable for helping with conditions such as epilepsy and autism in children.

For more information on medical marijuana may help with a condition you or someone you love has please feel free to contact us or stop by one of our locations to chat with a super friendly budtender.