By Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende, LifeCannMD

A Little Girl Who Changed Everything

I’ll never forget watching that CNN documentary back in 2013. Charlotte Figi was this tiny five-year-old having up to 300 seizures a week. Can you even imagine?

Her parents had tried literally everything. Every medication, every treatment, every specialist they could find. Nothing worked.

Then this cannabis strain came along—one that would eventually carry her name and completely flip the medical world upside down. Charlotte’s Web. Within only a few months, this little girl went from hundreds of weekly seizures to under a handful per month – thats huge.

As a doctor, I’ve witnessed plenty of medical breakthroughs over the years. But Charlotte’s story? That hit different. It was personal, powerful, and it changed how thousands of us think about plant medicine.

Your Body Already Knows How to Work with Cannabis (Seriously!)

Here’s something that blows most of my patients’ minds: your body actually has built-in receptors for cannabis compounds. In the 1990s cannabis based researchers discovered that we all possess this whole-body, internal system designed to work with the compounds of medical marijuana and CBD.

This internal system is called the endocannabinoid system. You can think of it like your body’s master control panel powered by cannabis and it’s compounds.

This system is constantly working behind the scenes, keeping everything balanced:

• How excited your brain cells get
• Your sleep patterns
• Mood regulation
• Pain levels
• Even your appetite

Pretty amazing, right?

How CBD Actually Works (The Simple Version)

Now here’s where CBD gets really interesting. Unlike THC—which just plugs directly into your receptors like a key in a lock—CBD is way more sophisticated.

Instead of forcing its way in, CBD works more like a skilled conductor with an orchestra. It doesn’t play the instruments itself, but it helps everything work together better.

What CBD does in your body:

→ Boosts your natural feel-good chemicals by stopping the enzymes that break them down

→ Calms overexcited brain cells by affecting the electrical channels that control them

→ Works with your serotonin system (that’s your “happiness” neurotransmitter)

→ Reduces brain inflammation that can trigger seizures

Why Charlotte’s Web Isn’t Just Any Old CBD Product

I get asked this question at least five times a week: “Doc, what makes Charlotte’s Web special? Isn’t CBD just CBD?”

Not even close.

Charlotte’s Web was specifically bred for kids with seizures. The growers didn’t just stumble onto this—they carefully developed it with one goal in mind: maximum therapeutic benefit with zero psychoactive effects.

What makes it different:

• Super high CBD content (we’re talking 15-20%)
• Practically no THC (less than 0.3%)
• Consistent from batch to batch (no surprises)
• Rich in other helpful compounds that work together

That low THC part is huge for families. I’ve had parents tell me they can finally sleep at night knowing their child is protected but completely clear-headed. No impairment, no “high,” just seizure control.

The Science Behind How CBD Stops Seizures

Okay, let me paint you a picture here.

Your brain has more electrical connections than there are stars. Every micro-second, billions of signals zip-zap around, allowing you to think, move, and feel.

Usually, it’s like individual musicians in an orchestra, each playing their own part. But sometimes—totally normal for people with epilepsy—a whole section suddenly decides to play the same note together.

Nothing’s broken. It’s just brain cells having a synchronized moment instead of their usual independent chatter. That’s a seizure—temporary teamwork instead of solo performances.

CBD Steps In Like the World’s Best Electrician

Stabilizing the Power Grid: CBD helps keep brain cells from getting overexcited and causing those dangerous electrical surges.

Reducing Inflammation: Think of chronic brain inflammation like corroded wiring—it makes electrical problems more likely. CBD acts like anti-rust treatment for your brain.

Protecting the Circuits: When seizures happen, they can damage brain cells. CBD seems to wrap those cells in a protective coating.

Balancing the System: Your brain has both “go” signals and “stop” signals. CBD helps make sure neither one gets out of control.

I had one parent describe it perfectly: “It’s like CBD taught my daughter’s brain how to use its brakes again.”

When the FDA Finally Caught Up

You know what really legitimized all this for me? 2018, when the FDA approved Epidiolex—the first cannabis medication ever approved in the United States.

The clinical trials were honestly impressive:

• Kids with Dravet syndrome saw 36-44% fewer seizures
• Children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome had 37-42% fewer drop seizures
• Quality of life improvements across the board

But here’s what the studies can’t capture: I remember Sarah, one of my patients, whose mom called me crying—happy tears—because her daughter had gone to a friend’s birthday party for the first time in two years. No seizures, no fear, just a normal eight-year-old being a kid.

That’s what this is really about.

Why the Whole Plant Might Beat Isolated CBD

This might surprise you, but sometimes Mother Nature knows best.

While big pharma creates isolated CBD in labs, products like Charlotte’s Web contain the entire plant spectrum. We call this the “entourage effect”—imagine the difference between a single violin and a full symphony orchestra.

The Supporting Cast

Minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN that might boost CBD’s effects

Terpenes (the aromatic compounds that give plants their smell) that can enhance relaxation and mood

Other plant compounds that work together in ways we’re still figuring out

Many of my patients find better results with whole-plant extracts compared to isolated CBD. It’s like the plant evolved all these compounds to work as a team—which, when you really think about it, they probably did. The difference between CBD and THC.

Getting Legal Access in Florida: Your Medical Marijuana Card

Let’s talk brass tacks for a minute. How do you actually get legal access to this stuff in Florida?

I’ve guided hundreds of patients through this process, and honestly? It’s way simpler than most people expect.

Great News for Seizure Patients

If you’ve got epilepsy or any seizure disorder, you’re already qualified. Period. Florida recognizes epilepsy as a qualifying condition, so you don’t need to prove that everything else failed first.

Other qualifying conditions in Florida:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to the others listed.
• A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physician certification.
• Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or that originates from a qualifying medical condition and persists beyond the usual course of that qualifying medical condition.

Even if you don’t see anything on the list above that applies to you, you still may be able to qualify for a Florida medical marijuana card through LifeCannMD.

We offer no-risk consultations, so you can begin the process whether or not you’re entirely sure you qualify for medical marijuana and visit a dispensary.

The Actual Process (It’s Not Scary)

Step 1: Gather any medical records showing your seizure diagnosis. Don’t stress if they’re old—epilepsy is epilepsy.

Step 2: Come see us for an evaluation. We’ll talk about your history, current treatments, and how cannabis might help.

Step 3: I enter your recommendation into the state system, then you register with Florida’s Department of Health.

Step 4: Your card shows up in about a week, but you can start buying products as soon as you’re approved online.

What Your Card Actually Gets You

→ Access to Charlotte’s Web and other tested, regulated products → Much wider selection of CBD ratios and formulations → Guaranteed quality with lab testing for purity → Professional guidance from trained dispensary staff → Better pricing than the sketchy online market

How We Do Things Differently at LifeCannMD

Here’s the thing—lots of places will get you a card and basically say “good luck.” That’s not how we roll.

Seizure patients need ongoing medical supervision. This isn’t like getting a prescription and forgetting about it.

What ongoing care looks like:

• Helping you choose the right products and ratios
• Watching for interactions with seizure meds
• Adjusting doses based on how you respond
• Regular check-ins to optimize seizure control
• Working with your other doctors

Maria, one of my patients’ moms, put it perfectly: “Dr. Fandiño, I was completely overwhelmed walking into that dispensary. Having you guide me through this made all the difference in the world.”

Let’s Talk Money (Because That Matters Too)

I’m gonna be straight with you about costs. Insurance doesn’t cover medical cannabis yet, so this comes out of your pocket.

But here’s what I tell families: many of my patients actually spend less overall. When you factor in fewer ER visits, fewer prescription meds, fewer missed work days from seizures—the math often works out.

Ways to save money:

• First-time patient discounts at dispensaries
• Compassionate care programs for low-income families
• Loyalty programs and regular sales
• Payment plans for larger purchases

Why Legal Matters More Than You Think

Look, I get it. Some families have grabbed CBD from gas stations or random websites. You’re desperate for help, and I understand that completely.

But let me tell you why the legal route matters:

You know exactly what you’re getting every single time—no guessing games

Everything’s tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and other nasty stuff

You’ve got medical backup if something goes wrong

You’re protected under Florida law—no legal worries

Quality is guaranteed through strict state regulations

I’ve seen lab reports on some of that unregulated stuff that would absolutely terrify you. Products with zero CBD, contaminated products, and even some products with dangerously high THC levels. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child’s health.

Finding the Right Dose (Every Person is Different)

This is where medicine becomes part science, part art. What works amazingly for one kid might do nothing for another.

In my practice, we start low and go slow:

Our approach: → Begin with very small doses → Gradually increase while monitoring carefully
→ Watch for both benefits and side effects → Adjust based on seizure patterns and overall wellbeing → Regular check-ins to fine-tune everything

I’ve got one patient whose seizures completely stopped on what seemed like a tiny dose. Another kid needed much more. Age, weight, genetics, other medications—it all plays a role.

There’s no magic formula, but there is careful medical supervision.

Side Effects (Let’s Keep It Real)

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but “natural” doesn’t mean “no effects.” Some people might experience:

• Drowsiness (not always bad if seizures were disrupting sleep)
• Appetite changes
• Stomach upset
• Potential medication interactions

That last point is crucial. CBD can affect how your liver processes other medications, potentially changing blood levels. This is exactly why working with a knowledgeable doctor matters—we monitor these interactions carefully.

What’s Coming Next

The research pipeline has me genuinely excited. We’re looking at:

Genetic testing to predict who’ll respond best to CBD

Better combination strategies with traditional seizure meds

New delivery methods for improved absorption

Other cannabinoids that might help with seizures

Just last month at a medical conference, researchers presented new findings about CBD’s mechanisms. This field is moving fast, and I’m optimistic about what the next few years will bring.

Quality Matters More Than You Realize

Here’s my soap box moment: not all CBD products are what they claim to be.

What to insist on: ✓ Third-party testing (and actually look at those reports!) ✓ Consistent cannabinoid levels ✓ Clean growing practices ✓ Proper extraction methods ✓ Honest, clear labeling

I’ve seen lab reports that would shock you—products with no CBD at all, contaminated products, products with dangerous THC levels. It’s the Wild West out there in the unregulated market.

I tell my patients: you wouldn’t buy heart medication from some random guy on the street, so don’t do it with CBD either.

Charlotte’s Legacy Lives On

Charlotte Figi passed away in 2020, but her impact on medicine continues every single day.

In my practice alone, I’ve watched children go from multiple daily seizures to living relatively normal lives. I’ve seen families get their kids back. I’ve witnessed parents sleep through the night for the first time in years.

The strain that bears her name represents something bigger than just medical treatment—it’s proof that sometimes the most powerful medicines come from unexpected places. And that one brave little girl’s story can literally change the world.

Miami Medical Marijuana Treatment and CBD for Epilepsy

CBD, especially formulations like Charlotte’s Web, offers genuine hope for families dealing with seizure disorders. Yes, we’re still figuring out all the mechanisms, but the evidence for effectiveness keeps getting stronger. Microdosing cannabis may also prove to be effective.

In Florida, accessing these treatments legally is more straightforward than most people think. Epilepsy is actually a qualifying condition for Medical Marijuana in the State of Florida. We make the process of obtaining a Medical Marijuana card easier than ever with LifeCannMD in Miami. Dr. Sende, a double board certified cardiologist and internal medicine doctor understands both seizure disorders and medical cannabis and can help you to navigate local marijuana dispensaries.

Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende specializes in medical cannabis treatment for epilepsy at LifeCannMD.