EDITORIAL
As the status of cannabis changes for adults, the use for youth continues in controversy. The age-old question persists, where is the evidence? Unfortunately, due to the scheduling of cannabis, there are limited studies on the efficacy of medical cannabis for adults, consequently there are even less for children. However, there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence indicating the effectiveness of medical cannabis in the treatment of various disorders or diseases for youth. In addition, more and more parents are turning to cannabis as therapy for their children as opposed to traditional therapies. For instance, cannabis oils have found to reduce seizures for children suffering from epilepsy, improve the quality of life for children with autism and cause cell death to cancer cells (and only cancer cells) for children with cancer to name a few.
Among healthcare providers there are black, white and grey areas regarding the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis for children consumption. While some physicians attest to evidence suggesting cannabis consumption negatively effects brain development, others say the effects to the brain are too insignificant to seriously consider like in the case of Rylie Maedler, a 7-year old diagnosed with bone tumor. However, the alternative therapies consist of opioid drugs such as Morphine and Oxycodone, sedatives such as Midazolam and Clonazepam and anticonvulsants such as Levetiracetam and Phenytoin. Are these more acceptable than a plant?
The compelling stories in this issue not only empower advocacy and knowledge, but they do something much more important. They focus on what’s best for their child and family.
Brittany Whiters MSN, RN Co-Editor
Ciara Jenkins BSN, RN Co-Editor
4