THC-a Tincture for Paediatric Seizures

Knowledge Is Power When Fighting Illness

There Is An Effective, Non-CBD, Non-Psychoactive Way To Control Seizures With Cannabis

Most of us have heard about the wave of medical 'marijuana' refugees descending upon cannabis-friendly destinations like Colorado in the United States (US). Many were and are families who have children suffering from Dravet syndrome and other severe forms of intractable epilepsy and paediatric seizures. Ever since CNN correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta’s documentary, 'Weed', more and more parents are willing for their children to try Cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Demand for the particulary high-CBD cannabis strain, Charlotte’s Web, has gone crazy since Dr Gupta’s show aired, because it was mentioned by name. What many parents don’t realise, upon first entering the initially bewildering world of medical cannabis, is that there are a number of other high-CBD strains as well, some with numbers higher than those of Charlotte’s Web.

Fifteen US state legislatures already have 'CBD-only' legislation, meaning they have legalised Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, whilst Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), remains illegal. Other more conservative states such as Alabama were considering same. This is particularly unfortunate for a number of reasons: 

1. research has shown that cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, work most effectively in combination with each other, through syngergistic effects; and, 
2. the passage of 'CBD-only' legislation serves to increase and emphasise the 'scariness' and 'otherness' of THC. Demonising THC is just inane, as it is one of the best, most non-toxic anti-inflammatories, anti-tumour agents, antioxidants and neuroprotectants known.

And beyond that, almost none of these parents and other patients realise they could fight seizures just as effectively with THC which hasn’t been decarboxylated with heat. That is, Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, THC acid or THC-a. Furthermore, THC-a is no more psychoactive than CBD, thus allaying parental concerns about getting their children 'high'. THC-a is one of the cannabinoids primarily found in fresh cannabis, although in variable amounts, according to CannLabs. Once the cannabis plant is exposed to heat, such as smoking or vaporising, THC-a decarboxylates to THC, the form that gives euphoric effects. What happens on a molecular level is that the carbon dioxide in the cannabis is released; as a carbon atom in the acid is lost, THC-a is converted to psycho-active THC.

THC-a, found in the flowers, leaves and stems of young cannabis plants, is biosynthesised by the trichomes. It plays a critical role in protecting the trichomes and thus the plants themselves from insects and other predators.

The progression of cannabis from flower to extract

Although THC-a has no psychoactive effects of its own, it acts as a cannabinoid receptor agonist and in so doing provides neuroprotective (brain protection) effects. THC-a has also been shown to be an anti-inflammatory agent, has anti-proliferative qualities (help inhibit growth of cancerous cells), as well as anti-spasmodic effects, useful for epileptic patients. THC-a works just as well as CBD for seizure control, and is cheaper and more accessible than CBD (especially in the speculative environment created by CBD’s recently skyrocketing popularity).

In contrast to the specialised, low-THC/high CBD plants needed to make CBD extracts, any high-THC cannabis strain can be used to make THC-a tincture. Prominent Australian cannabis breeder/researcher Mark Heinrich told Toke Signals, “As it is THC-a, there is no issue of the 'high', so that makes strain choice less selective. Truly, this is globally available to even the poorest people”, Mark said. “I have sent this simple method to doctors in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and more. This is HUGE, and it is so simple. There is no need to spend big money on CBD if THC-a is just as good. We are getting good results with CBD-a, CBD, THC-a, and CBN. Right now, the predators and the sharks are making a killing off CBD, but make no mistake, THC-a works just as well and we have proof. We want everyone to have access to the tutorials to empower them to be able to make their own and not be reliant on CBD merchants. What’s even better, the information is FREE, how cool is that, mate? And think how many folks can now get help - empowerment of parents”, Mark said.

Epsilon Apothecaries, founded in 2006 and based in Sacramento, California, has a downloadable Extraction Basics Guide (pdf), the “Epsilon Essentials” Guide Series, comprising a novice approach to the creation of three special supplements: tincture extract of cannabis, essential extract of cannabis, and supplemental extract of cannabis. Readers can learn how to create therapeutic grade supplements at home, following in the footsteps of Epsilon’s decade-long track record of success in a variety of cases.

The Epsilon Essentials Guide is free of charge, the company’s website says, "All we ask is your respect in return".

Adapted from Parents THC-a Tincture Works Just As Well As CBD for Paediatric Seizures first published February 2014