Epilepsy Foundation of America Supports Medical Marijuana in New York

The New York legislature is considering legislation (the Compassionate Care Act, A. 6357-A and S. 4406-A) that would allow New York residents living with epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures to gain access to medical marijuana when prescried by a qualified physician. There is no “one size fits all” treatment option for epilepsy, and about a third of people living with epilepsy suffer from uncontrolled or intractable seizures, despite available treatments. This can lead to disability, injury, and even death. In states where medical use of marijuana is legal as a treatment for epilepsy, a number of people report beneficial effects, including a decrease in seizure activity when using a marijuana strain high in cannabidiol (CBD).

Not everyone with epilepsy should or would consider medical marijuana as a treatment option, and further research is needed on the connection between marijuana, CBD, and seizures. But medical marijuana, when prescribed by a treating physician, may be the best alternative for some individuals living with drug resistant epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures.

Ask your legislators to support A. 6357-A and S. 4406-A so New York residents living with drug resistant epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures can gain access to this treatment option.  Click Take Action or fill out the form below to contact your legislators today.