Can Marijuana Cause Seizures?

The popularity of cannabis use to treat some health conditions is an important task today. Whether or not it is used for medicinal purposes, the side effects of the plant attract different reactions from experts in the field. On the other hand, members of the public have keen interest on developments around this controversial plant. In fact, some have gone to the extent of trying it as a medicinal drug and have posted testimonies of its functionality. While credibility of such information cannot be proven scientifically, there is a public out roar that cannot be ignored. One of the debate areas is Marijuana and seizures.

Seizures

This is a medical condition when the brain experiences electrical surges. It feels like a black out, while an individual cannot comprehend the environment. It may last up to 3 minutes. Seizures are also characterized by convulsions, which may expose you to physical damage. Typically, people experiencing seizures fall down and, depending on the environment, they might get hurt. Also, a person can bite the tongue. However, the resulting behaviors wholly depend on the type as well as cause of seizures. The most common cause and type of seizure is epilepsy. Any interference of nerves with brain that shot like electrical wires leads to seizures. Marijuana’s components are said to alter the natural functions of receptor brain cells, which interfere have a role in the central nervous system.

Marijuana

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the main components in Marijuana, whose functions are a source of debate. There are different types of the marijuana plant, which have different levels of cannabinoids. Besides, cannabinoids that are extracted from the plant are also used in different forms; either as powder or liquid. Thus, the concentrations, hence effect on human brain, and behavior depends on the type of the plant as well as the way you consume the cannabinoids.

Marijuana is consumed alongside with the other ‘drugs’. This is an explanation to why consumption of the substance impact on people’s reactions. Additionally, people have different alkaline and blood pressure levels, which hugely determine how substance you are consuming reacts with your body.

Marijuana and Seizures

Cannabinoids as the main compound in marijuana plant has, undoubtedly, an effect on brain cells. In fact, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), which are the two primary elements in Cannabis, have been proven to interfere with CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor thus influencing human behavior.

There are strong claims against the use of Marijuana because it causes seizures. The claims are backed up by testimonials from American citizens who are said to experience convulsions and brief blackouts (characteristics of seizures) after using Marijuana. However, there are no scientific proofs to ascertain the allegations. There are multiple causes of surges in the brain; cannabinoids might just be one among the many. So far, no definite scientific research can point to Marijuana as the cause.

Can Marijuana Cause seizures?

Recently, a study was conducted on animals on the connection of cannabinoids with seizures. Rodents were injected with equal amount of cannabinoids and were observed under specialized equipment for hours. The scientists have video recordings for evaluation of changes in behavior in these animals. Sure enough, Marijuana interfered with the brain cells, hence, the behavior of the rats. Some of the behaviors can be related to seizure but some cannot. Irrespective of the fact, some experts argue that even if it caused seizures in the rats, the human brain cells are unique.

People, on the other side of the debate table, remain critical on this matter. Besides the argument of relationship between animal brain cells and human brain cells, they remain open to the possibility of Marijuana seizures. However, there is a potential statement on the table. If Marijuana causes seizures it must be alongside other causes, not its own; therefore, it only provokes an existing environment.

Mechanism Effect

Experts confirm the influence of marijuana on the brain cells. Marijuana cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptor cells in the brain and all other parts of the body. According to medical marijuana and seizures, these receptor cells have a crucial role in seizure activity. Depending on whether the marijuana cannabinoids bind to neurotransmitters or receptor cells, an individual will experience seizure or, in contrast, won’t. There are receptors on nerve cells that secrete inhibitory neurotransmitters and, when marijuana cannabinoids bind to these cells, a seizure will occur. On the other hand, cannabinoids may bind to cells that inhibit secretion of excitatory neurotransmitter, thus inhibiting seizures. Medical marijuana seizures still pose controversy hence they are open to researches and debates.

Summary

The debate has been going on for a long time, because all the researches do not post comprehensive explanations. Besides, people have practical experiences on using Marijuana for seizures, which cannot be taken away from them. Such people do not have any other explanation to deterioration or improvement of their health other than use of marijuana. While there is hope for end to the stalemate after a comprehensive scientific research and definite results, the debate is likely to go on for an extended period.