Submitted by Tara B. from Agoura Hills/Malibu, California

My daughter was 21 years old when this story occurred a few years ago, residing in Agoura Hills/Malibu, California, which thankfully offers unencumbered access to Cannabis. Autism and epilepsy were diagnosed in 2005, causing seizures, tics, mood regulation issues, cyclical vomiting, sensory overload, irregular menstrual cycle (possible PCOS), metabolic imbalances, mitochondrial disorder, and social anxiety.

She experienced negative side effects when we tried Epidiolex to manage seizures

Additionally, despite taking the highest dose of Epidiolex, an isolated form of CBD, her 24-hour EEG reflected that she was still experiencing seizures every 5 minutes for the duration. We switched to a whole plant Cannabis blend, targeted specifically for seizures, after learning this is optimal for therapeutic use compared with isolate CBD for seizures.

6 months later, her 24-hour EEG on whole plant Cannabis reflected zero seizures during the entire 24 hours. In addition, the negative side effects she experienced with Epidiolex resolved completely, and the whole plant formula has exerted desirable side effects.

Prior to trying whole plant Cannabis

We tried Lamictal, Depakote, Rescue Remedy, diet restrictions, and Epidiolex. The side effects impaired quality of life, including Extrapyramidal Symptoms (tics), comatose allergic reaction from Depakote, and severe negative mood impact with Lamictal.

We experienced the improved outcomes of whole plant products first-hand!

Janna Champagne of Integrated Holistic Care and the late Dr Alan Frankel, MD of Greenbridge Medical, as recommended by John Malanca at United Patients Group, all provided education and guidance for my daughter. Janna taught us the difference between isolate preparations like Epidiolex compared with whole plant preparations and by following the FLOW criteria recommended by Cannabis Nurse Approved.

I saw a substantial improvement in my daughter's mood, along with a reduction in seizure frequency. To quote my daughter, “Cannabis makes me feel happy and competent, plus it calms down my brain.” I would like to see more doctors knowledgeable about this science instead of focusing on pharmaceutical approaches when Cannabis often provides fewer side effects with improved efficacy. I would highly recommend anyone in this situation to try Cannabis.

Any fear or hesitation we had was alleviated through compassionate and thorough explanations of the science

Along with understanding why this information is not more widely known and utilized in our health care industry. We are believers in natural approaches to improve health, including mindfulness and lifestyle modifications.

Before incorporating Cannabis

My daughter suffered pervasive symptoms of both epilepsy and autism, in addition to the negative side effects of pharmaceuticals. Cannabis provided a solution with far greater efficacy while alleviating the side effects of the pharmaceuticals, which we were able to discontinue.

Using whole plant Cannabis saved 75% of the cost compared to Epidiolex, and it worked far more effectively

My daughter's custom seizure and autism Cannabis blend includes CBD and CBN with targeted terpenes like Myrcene, Linalool, and Beta Caryophyllene to provide neuro suppression. We also use THC and THCa, both in sedative formulations.

This is Tara’s personal story and not meant to be medical advice. It is for informational purposes.

To work with a medical Cannabis professional, please visit our directory of coaches, educators, and medical professionals. Everyone's Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is different; good results start with the right approach. You don't have to figure it out on your own.

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