CHARLOTTE'S STORY:
How a 6-Year-Old Revolutionized the Cannabis Industry
What started as a desperate cry for help to change the prospects of a young girl’s life, impacted the nation’s views on what medicinal cannabis can potentially do for its patients. It spurred a viral curiosity over what has long been considered taboo. We are talking about the extraordinary strain of cannabis that was at the heart of the Charlotte Figi’s CBD story.
It’s the touching story of a little girl who defied the odds of her condition with the help of a unique strain of cannabis that most people overlooked. Here is the incredible story behind Charlotte’s recovery and how she came to revolutionize the cannabis industry.
Charlotte’s CBD History
Since the creation of the low THC high CBD strain of cannabis, many have heard about or watched Charlotte’s story online. What you may have learned is that a little girl from Colorado ultimately helped shift views on the use of medicinal cannabis.
Charlotte Figi’s Story
Charlotte was born perfectly healthy, much like her fraternal twin sister, to the Figi family and her parents Matt and Paige. When she reached 3 months of age, she experienced her first epileptic episode. It was a frightening glimpse into what was to come.
During her first visit to the hospital, many medical exams were performed: MRIs, EEGs, spinal taps, and blood tests. They all came back normal. Doctors could not find anything wrong with Charlotte Figi, so she was sent home. Her second episode occurred a week later only to last longer and more intensely than the first. The curious thing was that she and her fraternal twin were developing at the same rate, both physically and cognitively, even though the seizures grew with Charlotte.
The Episodes Begin to Take Their Toll
By the time she was 2 years old, the epileptic episodes were taking a toll on little Charlotte. Her once happy personality began to fade, and she was not keeping up cognitively with her twin sister anymore. Charlotte’s life became a series of daily, uncontrollable seizures. Tests were continually done, but no one could figure out what she had.
She was experiencing over 300 epileptic episodes a week. Charlotte could not move, talk, or eat.
It was when Charlotte was 2 ½ years old that a doctor from the Children’s Hospital in Colorado tested her positive for a genetically mutated gene found in 80% of Dravet syndrome cases. Charlotte Figi was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome (also called myoclonic epilepsy). It is a rare form of severe, intractable epilepsy that begins in the first year of life and continues to increase in quantity, length, and severity. The episodes are unstoppable and difficult to control. The damaging effects cause behavioral, cognitive, and emotional trauma that stunt growth.
Dravet syndrome is also incurable. Most Dravet kids have a short lifespan, only surviving into early childhood. Even with prescribed medication, Charlotte’s seizures worsened and her mental functions were severely impacted.
Open to Try Anything
The Figi family tried everything from considering an experimental drug used to treat seizures in dogs, to trying out ketogenic diets. At first, the changes to her diet seemed to work, but as Charlotte began to lose bone mass and develop immunity and behavioral problems, they knew that it was not going to be a sustainable option.
In addition, two years after the start of her specialized diet, the seizures returned and intensified. The seizures and muscle cramps lasted up to 30 minutes. The Figis became desperate for options, trying out acupuncture and powerful prescribed drugs.
A Turn for the Worse
At the age of 6, Charlotte’s seizures worsened at an alarming rate. She was experiencing over 300 epileptic episodes a week. If you average that out, that is 2 seizures per hour. Charlotte could not move, talk, or eat.
As a desperate measure, the doctors suggested putting Charlotte in a medically induced coma so that her brain and body could rest. It was when the family was about to lose all hope in finding a plausible answer that Matt Figi stumbled upon a video of a boy who was prescribed a treatment of a marijuana strain that was high in CBD and low in THC. The video of the treatment of this California boy went on to explain how CBD products could potentially reduce the chemical that causes epileptic activity in the brain. Best of all, the video claimed the electrical activity could be reduced without any substantial side effects.
The Figis were at odds with this option because the family was not in favor of the legalization of marijuana, particularly for a 6-year-old. But without further options and with every treatment failing their daughter, it was no longer a decision that they had the luxury to make. It was the next viable option for them to test.
Moving Forward with CBD
Since the Figi family felt they had no other choices offered to them by the medical community, medical marijuana was the next natural course of action. It was not smooth sailing. They had to face the next obstacle in their journey by obtaining a medical marijuana card. They needed the recommendations of two independent doctors before Charlotte could be registered as a medical cannabis user and given access to the program.
At the time, Charlotte was the youngest subject to ever register for the program in the state of Colorado, and they were rejected by many medical professionals before they found their supporters. Research on the impact of cannabis on young children was scarce, if not nonexistent. Many physicians turned Paige Figi away and even challenged her request for support.
Paige Figi went to a local marijuana dispensary and asked for a product that had the most CBD and very little THC. She took it home and turned it into a CBD oil, and the rest was history
View our selection of CBD Oils
That was when luck brought Paige Figi to the first doctor who came on board, Dr. Margaret Gedde, who saw that Charlotte Figi had come close to death enough times to warrant her support of the use of cannabis. The severity of Charlotte’s condition was also brought to the attention of her second doctor, Dr. Alan Shackelford, a Harvard-trained physician who experienced firsthand how critical Charlotte’s situation was when she seized twice while he examined her.
With the green light to go, Paige Figi went to a local marijuana dispensary and asked for a product that had the most CBD and very little THC. She took it home and turned it into a CBD oil that she could feed to Charlotte, and the rest was history.
The Figi family reported that after that dose was administered, hours and then days passed without one single epileptic episode. They felt their hopes and prayers were finally answered.
However, this was not to last as this strain was not one that most individuals sought out, and the dispensary had minimal amounts to sell to Paige Figi. Fortunately, that was also when the Figi family heard about a low THC high CBD grower and Charlotte’s CBD story really began.
From a greenhouse of marijuana high in CBD, the Figis were supplied with the particular strain of hemp needed. That strain was grown for research purposes and new things were being tried with it. Not many wanted it, as it was not a sellable product because no one wanted a strain of cannabis with minimal to no THC.
The Development of Charlotte’s CBD Oils
View our selection of CBD Oils
In the late spring of 2012, Charlotte tried this unique strain of high CBD products.
The family reports that her seizures went down to one episode per week, sometimes even to one a month
This little girl, who was once catatonic with over 300 seizures a week, now had a large source of CBD oils to support her. Charlotte’s family reports her seizures went down to one episode per week, sometimes even to one a month. Charlotte got a dose of two full spoons of CW Hemp CBD oils twice a day with her meals. It’s reported that the doses helped regulate her seizures, seemingly without any side effects.
Charlotte could have the experience of growing up as a healthy little girl. During this period, she learned how to talk again, rode a bicycle for the first time, and could feed herself once again, after 2 years of being fed through a feeding tube. Also, the family says she relies only on he CBD oils as her daily supplementation. Charlotte’s improvements have been remarkable.
Image via CWHEMP
She was the very first pediatric patient to successfully try it. The coverage she got in the media quickly gained national recognition for the medical marijuana community.
Charlotte Figi and her family were even featured on a documentary special called “Weed,” conducted by CNN’s medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Dr. Gupta, a famous physician, was once an opponent to the legalization of medical cannabis, just like the Figis. But after doing his own research, hearing Charlotte’s CBD story, and learning about this distinct strain of CBD products, he changed his attitude and has since become an advocate.
The Next Phase
Charlotte’s story put a spotlight on the potential benefits of medical cannabis and gave hope to many families in similar situations. Her ability to seemingly overcome the effects of her illness with CBD oils has caused policymakers and the government to be more open to the development of and research into high CBD strains as a medical option.
CBD Products
View our selection of CBD Products
Since Charlotte’s recovery, low THC high CBD strains of cannabis have become world-renowned, industrial, hemp-based CBD products. Now, with years of combined experiences, there are several closely monitored hemp products with testing and safeguards throughout the entire process, from seeds to the final bottled product. Only the highest standard for quality is acceptable, along with having the best practices for the sustainability of the community.
Many products contain a blend of carefully manufactured hemp extracts. Laboratory tested to be rich in CBD, our products utilize only the best harvested industrial hemp. Our laboratories also follow strict FDA guidelines to provide a consistent product with quality control in place. It is non-GMO, 100% vegetarian, and gluten-free.
Our production begins at the Off the Vine Farm facility where sustainable aquaculture practices are utilized to germinate our low THC high CBD strains. All growing mediums are tested and cleared of contaminants and other toxic and heavy metals before plantation. Our plants are organically and sustainably cultivated, with techniques such as using natural predators of common hemp pests without the use of pesticides.
This helps create a reliable product every time because of the consistent type of hemp used. Our hemp plants are expertly bred, by ourselves, to optimize consistency and sustainability. Every bottle purchased will yield the same benefits, regardless of when you bought it.
Our FDA-registered farms and manufacturing facilities are certified to follow GMP (FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines. This means that our CBD products are always produced with the highest quality standards and the safest testing protocols.
Knowing the full background of how Our CBD products came to be, you may want to now know what is available on the market. Here is one way you can begin to experience this product:
CW Everyday Usage
Our CBD oils are the best option for individuals looking for the greatest offerings of a potent CBD supplement with the highest quality standards. Our hemp oils are extracted from low THC high CBD seeds as well as the stalks and flowers of the plant. It is very rich in CBDs, terpenes, omegas, and contains little to no THC.
View our selection of CBD Products
The oils can be added to your teas, water, or other drinks, but you can also take it alone on its own. The non-THC formula ensures that there will be no psychotropic effects or a high.
Strain Overview
Our CBD is derived from a cannabis variety that was cultivated by selective breeding. It has less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which makes it ideal for those seeking the benefits of CBD without the high. Our CBD oils are derived from a high-CBD (cannabidiol) strain that is perfect for relief without it affecting the functions of daily tasks.
Low THC levels and high CBD content means that you can our hemp-derived products with no psychoactive effects. In fact, that is one of the biggest concerns that many individuals considering hemp and cannabinoid products have. Our strains were created specifically to have virtually no THC for a product that works directly to calm the body without any cognitive side effects.
Low THC high CBD strains have quickly become sought after throughout medical cannabis communities and are now found in many states.
In 2009, a Colorado-based company began to breed a high-CBD strain to find an alternative for individuals that did not benefit from the high THC levels in a lot of the products in the medical cannabis industry. It found that high THC compounds did not serve many patients very well, specifically those who do not benefit from the psychoactive properties and also revealed potential antitumor properties of most low CBD strains.
Attributes
Our CBD has the potential to provide a mild and relaxed alertness that is calming and soothing. It also has the characteristics of a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, allowing you to take it without the drowsiness and mind-altering side effects of THC.
Flavors
Our hemp oil is less pungent than other cannabinoid oils on the market. It smells and tastes like olive oil. Ingesting it is quite pleasant without any sour aftertaste. It can easily be chased with water, and it does not create any hard-to-digest feelings in your stomach after taking it.
View our selection of CBD Oils
Reviews
The overall reviews of Our CBD users are generally the same. Many praise our strain’s ability to give relief without any of the mental disengagement you get from other cannabis products. Most of these CBD reviews agree that the best thing about the product is that it allows them to go about their lives and perform day-to-day activities.
Most have heard about the strain from watching Charlotte’s CBD story featured on CNN’s documentary, “Weed,” with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Many people were amazed at what the oil could potentially do and tried it for themselves.
Benefits of High CBD Strains
The medical benefits of CBD seem to stem solely from the CBD components. The high-CBD strain has become a much-needed product in the medical community. With THC content low or at 0%, hemp oil has rapidly grown in demand because of the results observed by its users.
High CBD strains are not used for smoking. They are used to create extracts to be ingested as oils, vapes, and other topicals. Charlotte’s CBD story has contributed to the acceptance of CBD oils both medically and legally in many countries and states where marijuana is illegal.
View our selection of CBD Lotions
How CBD Works
CBD works by attaching itself to your brain’s receptors – for example, to receptors for pain. These receptors can be found all over your body, but especially in your brain. (3)
There are two types of CBD receptors in your body. One is in the brain, which deals with movement, coordination, thought process, emotional state, memories, pain, and appetite. The other receptors deal with your immune system, inducing pain and inflammation.
Research found that high CBD cannabis triggers these receptors to promote the use of your body’s own cannabinoids. Our CBD works exactly in this way. Unlike THC, CBD does not work directly at the receptors in our bodies, which explains why it does not have any mind-altering effects.
Our CBD has also been found to be a nontoxic compound in your body (4), making it possible for long-term usage for patients. The medical use of THC has always had its setbacks and objections due to its intoxicating effects, such as sleepiness, memory loss, and paranoia. Therefore, CBD usage has been on the rise, especially because it promotes wakefulness, allowing users to carry on with their day.
Legal Status of CBD
As the use of medical cannabinoids continues to be considered dangerous and taboo, the politically charged issue has a lot of room to evolve in the medical community. Due to the recent positive findings of the usage of CBDs, the legal status of CBDs has shifted.
Compounds like CBD oils have long been prepared and used as medicine. But, until recently, they had been banned since the 1930s due to the dangers of abuse.
The legality lies in the levels of THC in the product, which determines whether the strain is considered medical marijuana or hemp. While THC is well-known for its high, caused by breaking down the cannabis plant by heat via smoking it or cooking it, high CBD strains are found in the least processed part of the plant called hemp.
Our CBD is currently grown in Colorado as hemp, and facility in Texas are near completion
Our company, Off the Vine Pharms, LLC, uses industrial hemp to produce its CBD oils. The THC level is almost undetectable at 0.3%, and the oil can be classified as a hemp product, making it legal to sell in 50 states and several countries.
President Obama signed the Agricultural Act of 2014, or the 2014 US Farm Bill, to allow the cultivation of industrial hemp by universities and state departments for the purposes of research and education. (5)
Hemp was subsequently excluded from the definition of medical marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. Legally, this gives the states the control to regulate the growth and sales of hemp crops, making it available to be sold in health food stores.
Research on High-CBD Strains
Members of the scientific and medical communities have expressed concern about the lack of substantial research on the use of medicinal cannabis. The use of marijuana is restricted. Therefore, very little research is available to support its medical use.
With several bills being introduced recently to allow the analysis of medicinal marijuana, extra funding for research has been provided. However, many universities and research facilities continue to refuse extensive cannabinoid research for fear of being cut off from federal funding due to the unknown legality of cannabis products.
The sudden interest in this area of medicine has its good points as well as its bad ones
Many physicians have shown their concerns as well as curiosity over the effects of CBD products. They admit that the sudden interest in this area has its good points as well as its bad ones. There is apprehension surrounding the hype of the drugs when there is very limited research on the actual effects of it. There is just so much uncertainty on whether it works or if it may have side effects in the future.
While there is a lot of case-to-case evidence that showcases the powerful effects of CBD, there has been minimal scientific and empirical research that shows the value of CBD products. There is a lot of room for growth and opportunities for clinical research to be done. Luckily, the medical and scientific communities are now open to having more discussions about high-CBD products.
Visit our online store for all your CBD needs!
Disclaimer: This product is not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 18. This product should be used only as directed on the label. It should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications. A Doctor's advice should be sought before using this and any supplemental dietary product. All trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners and are not affiliated with nor do they endorse this product. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Read More. Individual weight loss results will vary. By using this site, you agree to follow the Privacy Policy and all Terms & Conditions printed on this site. Void Where Prohibited by Law.