In a groundbreaking decision, The Food and Drug Administration has approved the prescription of the first marijuana infused cannabis based medication treatment. The oral drug Epidiolex can be prescribed to treat patients of rare, severe forms of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
The important takeaway from this development comes in the form of cannabidiol (CBD) which is a non-psychoactive pain relieving ingredient. This chemical is found in marijuana but does not produce the high associated with the ingredient THC. This does not represent an entire co-sign of marijuana rather an approval for one specific instance of a specific CBD medication which these certain types of epileptic patients desperately need to receive beneficial outcomes. Due to its significant medicinal benefits and precedent breaking nature, this decision marks a momentous stride for the agency’s advancement of cannabis within the medical field.
“Controlled clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of a drug, along with careful review through the FDA’s drug approval process, is the most appropriate way to bring marijuana-derived treatments to patients.” (FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb)
The barrier-busting decision arrived on 4/20 eve as Epidiolex received official recommendation due to its healing holistic effects for suffering patients.
“In general, the risks associated with CBD treatment appear acceptable, particularly given the findings of clinical efficacy in LGS and DS, which are serious, debilitating, and life-threatening disorders.”
As this is only the first pin to be knocked down of several, marijuana still faces significant obstacles within the field of law, medicine and ethics. Regardless, this decision from the FDA represents an open-minded approach and recognition of realism when it comes to curing diseases and the consideration of alternative medicinal practices.
FreshNewsNow 