Seriously considering my teen trying weed

[ProbsamURbutImattheendofmytether]

I know, I know.

It sounds horrendous and would make me a shit mum.

She has been having myoclonic seizures for years, they are painful and make her life pretty unbearable.

She has no friends, no life outside of the house, can't really do anything much, can't sleep, her education is suffering massively.

I've tried everything, every medication offered, it doesn't help, every type of alternative therapy, every type of traditional therapy, there is nothing I haven't tried.

I just want her to be able to live a somewhat normal life.

I know there are issues with weed, but the side effects of all the meds she has been on have been worse tbh.

I just don't know how to watch her go through this anymore.

I'm giving it some very serious consideration.

I'm not brave enough for AIBU, but I guess that's what I'm asking.

Please be kind, I'm a Mum who hasn't had longer than an hours sleep for 5 years and watching her suffer and be unable to go to school again today has pushed me to the edge honestly.

(NC been on MN for ages if you want to check, I'm not ragebaiting I'm just trying to get opinions because I can't discuss it irl for obvious reasons).

You would take whatever if there was a chance of curing her cancer rather than letting her die. I mean I guess physically her life is wonderful compared to a cancer patient's, emotionally and socially I've known some cancer patients who have been far happier than you daughter sounds....

Definitely not considering rolling a joint, not even sure I would know how.

I'm looking into edibles for her.

She is technically old enough but she won't make a decision and will very much follow whatever I say so I'm trying to make the best choices.

Definitely do it.
I am assuming you've researched cannabis and seizures? The results are astounding.
I am prescribed medical cannabis (not for seizures) and it's literally changed my life.
I would recommend oil, as you can micro dose until you can work out how much she would need.
Good luck. You most certainly do not sound a crappy mum in the slightest.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Epilepsy/comments/9x0n9g/treating_juvenile_myoclonic_epilepsy_with_cannabis/

Trying it can't hurt compared to the meds she's on and side effects they will be giving. Monitored obviously, low dose, comfort available and it won't last that long. As long as they are comfortable and relaxed about it, maybe watch some videos about it together. Have a strategy if they feel weird or confused. You sound like a fabulous mum, caring and involved. Even if it doesn't happen again, you know you have tried. If all goes well, have an edible with them some time, might be beneficial to you too, you sound under a lot of stress, I hope things work out

You’re a mum who loves her daughter and wants her to have the best quality of life she can have - that’s clear to anyone reading your post. CBD gummies or something like that is definitely worth trying, I certainly would in your shoes and if she was up for trying it. Fingers crossed for you both.

This charity or the mum behind it may be able to offer you some advice OP.

All the best in your decision x

iambilly.uk/i-am-campaign/

Have you tried a ketotic diet? Helps some people where medication isn’t cutting it.

There are companies now which privately assess symptoms and prescribe medical cannabis in the UK. A friend of mine who has suffered with Crohns has used a company called Releaf and it’s been a huge help to her. It’s worth looking into if it will help her quality of life.

I hope you find a solution for her x

I would look into the private clinics to see if you can get a prescription. Some of the pens have spice in them so be careful of them. In the area I live in it's hard to get edibles at the moment but if so manage to get some try a very small amount. I hope things get better xx

I’d try this I think in your situation. CBD oil may help?

Thank you for all of the advice, I'll take a look at those links as well. I appreciate it.

She's too young for a private prescription unfortunately, she would have to be over 18 for that. It will definitely be an option for her then.

We have tried the diet as well, it's a little more tricky with her as she is autistic and her eating is very restricted as it is, we persevered as well as we were able for a few months but sadly that didn't make an impact either.

The things we have tried have been just about anything we can find with even a hint of anecdotal evidence, we even tried things like meditation, and acupuncture.

It's stressing me out a bit because she is quite young still, and I can't talk to her doctor about it officially because they would be obligated to inform SS, which is understandable, but it would send my dd into a spiral.

It's worth a try.

I'm sorry, but I know nothing about this condition so I researched it a little. I put the search term into Google "myoclonic seizure marijuana" and the Google Ai came back with
"Recreational marijuana use may worsen myoclonic seizures in some individuals with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, while purified CBD products may be helpful for specific seizure types, but require more research. The psychoactive compound THC in marijuana can have a convulsant effect, increasing the risk of seizures, whereas CBD is an anticonvulsant. Anyone with epilepsy considering cannabis for medical reasons should consult a medical professional due to the unpredictable effects of cannabis and the potential for serious side effects."

I think you really need to speak to a qualified medical professional. I'm sure there are ways to speak anonymously with actual doctors. Best of luck.

I admit I read the thread titles and was a bit 🤨 at first

But actually in terms of what your daughter is experiencing, I can't blame you for wanting to try a possible solution, and there was evidence it can help, unfortunately the NHS criteria for prescribing is incredibly strict and prohibitive.

How old is your teen? There are private clinics which would kiag likely prescribe, the general criteria is having previously tried at least 2 treatments that haven't worked, however AFAIK this is only available to those 18+ so possibly is no use. Sorry x

Given your situation it makes sense to me to evaluate all possible options. It is an option and if on balance to pros outweigh the cons then why would you not? As long as you have all the appropriate facts and guidance.

I mean my parents let me smoke weed as a teenager and I didn’t have any health issues. It’s legal. Why are you tying yourself in knots?

There are a lot of reports saying it has set off a seizure, but also a lot saying that its helped immensely, this is why I'm stuck on what to do. I don't want to do anything that would make her worse, even for a short time, but then it might well be the thing that helps.

She's only 15 so no legal route to go down for her yet unfortunately.

I'm tying myself in knots because it's a bloody hard decision, and not one I'm taking lightly. This isn't just a fun little "let's have a joint" moment, it's a balance between her physical health, her mental health, even the potential of SS taking her off me if they ever found out. If it helps then it will be a long term solution for her, which is massive given the potential mental health implications.

Thanks everyone for your input.

I'm on the side of giving it a go at the minute, I don't really know how I can speak to a doctor anonomously about it, so I'm getting all my information online, which is throwing a lot of differing opinions. This thread is swaying me most atm though because I know the consensus on MN is pretty anti drugs so for this thread to have everyone say go for it knowing that she's a teenager as well speaks volumes.

You need some sleep!
also have you tried cbd first? That won’t get her high?

What about CBD gummies to try first? I was using them for sleep & my autistic teen was struggling with sleep & pains so I gave her half my dose. She is the size of an adult. It made her a little giddy but truly helped. Not sure if it'll have the same effects on seizures but worth trying as a first step? Since got a prescription for melatonin so no longer needed for the teen but we buy it from Holland & barrett for my husband's anxiety

My reply has been hidden! That's a first for me! Hopefully my reply gets posted. It was the same suggestion as @Unexpectedlysinglemumbut with our own personal experience

Also in terms of medical advice, I told my GP I was giving my daughter CBD & also then melatonin that I was buying online form the US. No come back

Some epilepsy patients can get cannabis oil on the NHS. I know for them it’s had a huge effect. Might be worth seeing if she would qualify. Is she on any other medication?

Personally I’d gone through one of the licensed clinics. A relative of mine used it for chronic pain and it was life-changing. At the time, the oil was around £60 for a private prescription but he was assessed properly by an arthritis/orthapaedics team and pain specialist. It’s totally legal and medically supervised.

Might be worth contacting End Our Pain on Facebook if there's still stuff you need info on OP, it's a campaign group for access to medical cannabis for children with epilepsy but I'm sure people on there will understand your position completely and may be able to offer advice if you need it.