The therapeutic use of hemp and CBD in animals is gaining a lot of attention. One promising option is the treatment of epileptic seizures.

History and modern research: Cannabis and seizures

The use of cannabis to treat seizures is nothing new. Cannabis has been described as a therapy for people with seizures for centuries, if not millennia. In recent years, cannabis, and specifically cannabidiol (CBD), has been re-examined for the treatment of epileptic seizures, both in humans and animals.

In ancient times, cannabis was used for seizures based on observation, but today, thorough scientific research is underway to determine how and why cannabis is beneficial in the effort to limit, and hopefully eliminate, seizures.

The science of cannabis and epilepsy Despite renewed interest and the availability of research funding, the mechanisms by which cannabis affects seizures are still not entirely clear. One possibility is a specific receptor on neurons called GPR55, which is thought to regulate seizure activity by regulating neuronal excitability. CBD appears to limit the ability of GPR55 to cause neuronal excitation, which is thought to reduce seizures.

Additionally, some studies suggest that patients with seizures have reduced levels of anandamide (AEA) in their cerebrospinal fluid and/or alterations in their CB1 receptors. AEA is one of the naturally occurring neurotransmitters in the body that regulates the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CB1 receptors, which are also part of the ECS, are the binding sites for AEA, and alterations in AEA and/or CB1 receptors are thought to lead to changes in the levels of other neurotransmitters that can ultimately lead to seizure activity. The tetrahydrocannabinol THC binds to CB1 receptors and in this way may reduce seizure activity.

Preclinical research on other cannabinoids and terpenes suggests that other compounds in cannabis may also be effective in treating seizures, but for practical and legal reasons, current research focuses mostly on CBD.

The Road to Recognition: Epidiolex and the Treatment of Epileptic Seizures

While the exact reasons why cannabis compounds have a positive effect on seizures are not entirely clear, great strides have been made in their therapeutic use. In 2018, the FDA approved the first cannabis-based drug, Epidiolex. A single-molecule formulation of CBD, Epidiolex, is approved to treat seizures in two forms of pediatric epilepsy, called Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome. In addition to being a great help for children, Epidiolex also represents a major step forward in the federal government’s recognition of the medicinal value of cannabis.

Veterinary: CBD and seizures in dogs

Scientists took a big step forward in veterinary research this year with the first clinical trial to evaluate the effects of CBD on seizures in epileptic dogs. The study, conducted at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, evaluated seizure frequency in dogs with and without CBD. The results showed an 89 percent reduction in seizure frequency in dogs given 2.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily, compared to a 43 percent reduction in dogs without CBD. Both groups of dogs were also receiving other anti-epileptic medications during the study, which is why the group without CBD also had a significant reduction in seizures. While these results are statistically significant, they are not as dramatic as many had hoped. The authors noted this in their conclusions, stating that further studies are needed to determine whether higher doses of CBD might be more beneficial in treating seizures in dogs.

One particular point worth noting in the study is that the CBD preparation used was not a CBD “isolate.” The hemp-based formulation also contained other cannabinoids that may or may not have contributed to its effectiveness. Research suggests that “broader spectrum” formulations that include multiple cannabinoids (CBD, THC, and others) and terpenes may have a greater effect.

CBD as therapy for pets

Contributions from pet owners and veterinarians, although purely anecdotal, suggest that cannabis not only reduces the frequency of seizures, but can also reduce their severity, shorten recovery time, and even possibly prevent an outright seizure if the animal is treated at the first sign of trouble.

With continued research, we certainly see promise in using CBD and possibly other cannabinoids to treat seizures in animals. However, caution should be exercised when using cannabis as a medicine. CBD, when used in moderate to high doses, can affect blood levels of other medications, including seizure medications. For this reason, it may be necessary to monitor levels when starting cannabis therapy. For the safety of your furry family members, always consult your veterinarian before starting any form of cannabis therapy for your pet.

Text source: https://projectcbd.org/health/cannabis-animal-seizures/

Text edited by: Only Natek