Marijuana-based Drug approved by FDA: Epidiolex
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first ever drug that's derives from marijuana -- epidiolex.
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
Marijuana (cannabis) is well known as an abused recreational drug for it's ability to induce an euphoria or "high" feeling. In fact, it's the most commonly abused illegal drug worldwide. Despite the stigma attached to marijuana use, it's medicinal property can not be downplayed.
The FDA gives hope to people afflicted with epilepsy by approving the first ever drug derived from marijuana. Epidiolex is made from cannabidiol (CBD) which is one among hundreds of cannabinoids found in cannabis.
Epidiolex
FDA approved epidiolex as a treatment for 2 childhood-onset epileptic disorders that's illusive to treatment, namely, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. It is not approved for children below 2 years of age.
The good thing about cannabidiol (CBD) is it does not cause a "high" or "stoned" feeling, unlike THC. The medicine epidiolex does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Epidiolex is manufactured by GW pharmaceuticals to help individuals with "treatment-resistant epilepsy syndromes including Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) and Infantile Spasms (IS)."
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by episodes of seizure. There is no cure for epilepsy but there are medications that can control epileptic seizures.
Potential for abuse
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is an illegal drug in almost every country. So, is having a drug, which is basically made up of marijuana, lead to addiction and abuse?
Epidiolex does not induce a "high" or "stoned" feeling so it's potential for abuse is less.
It's a prescription medicine. A person has to obtain a prescription from a doctor before obtaining the marijuana derived medicine.
There are mixed opinions regarding the legalization of marijuana. There is fear that legalizing the medical use of a marijuana-based drug is the first step towards ultimately legalizing the marijuana plant in the United States.
While the FDA has given it's approval to use this marijuana derived medicine epidiolex, each state has it's own rule regulating it's use.
Note:
The medicinal use of marijuana has already been legalized in several countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and Spain.
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| Marijuana-based Drug approved by FDA: Epidiolex |
Marijuana (cannabis) is well known as an abused recreational drug for it's ability to induce an euphoria or "high" feeling. In fact, it's the most commonly abused illegal drug worldwide. Despite the stigma attached to marijuana use, it's medicinal property can not be downplayed.
The FDA gives hope to people afflicted with epilepsy by approving the first ever drug derived from marijuana. Epidiolex is made from cannabidiol (CBD) which is one among hundreds of cannabinoids found in cannabis.
Epidiolex
FDA approved epidiolex as a treatment for 2 childhood-onset epileptic disorders that's illusive to treatment, namely, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. It is not approved for children below 2 years of age.
The good thing about cannabidiol (CBD) is it does not cause a "high" or "stoned" feeling, unlike THC. The medicine epidiolex does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Epidiolex is manufactured by GW pharmaceuticals to help individuals with "treatment-resistant epilepsy syndromes including Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) and Infantile Spasms (IS)."
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by episodes of seizure. There is no cure for epilepsy but there are medications that can control epileptic seizures.
Potential for abuse
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is an illegal drug in almost every country. So, is having a drug, which is basically made up of marijuana, lead to addiction and abuse?
Epidiolex does not induce a "high" or "stoned" feeling so it's potential for abuse is less.
It's a prescription medicine. A person has to obtain a prescription from a doctor before obtaining the marijuana derived medicine.
There are mixed opinions regarding the legalization of marijuana. There is fear that legalizing the medical use of a marijuana-based drug is the first step towards ultimately legalizing the marijuana plant in the United States.
While the FDA has given it's approval to use this marijuana derived medicine epidiolex, each state has it's own rule regulating it's use.
Note:
The medicinal use of marijuana has already been legalized in several countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and Spain.
