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CBD Education & Communication Initiative
Helping families and healthcare teams have informed conversations about safe CBD use in rare epilepsies.
Treat CBD like any other medication. Talk to your healthcare professional.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Many families are already using CBD, and many haven't mentioned it to their care team, often because they worry the conversation will feel judgmental. These materials make that conversation easier for everyone.
FAMILIES ARE ALREADY USING IT
CBD use is common in rare epilepsy communities. Open conversations help care teams keep everyone safe.
NOT ALL CBD IS THE SAME
Products vary in dose and purity, and the label doesn't always match what's in the bottle.
IT CAN INTERACT WITH OTHER MEDS
The body processes CBD like a medication. It can cause side effects and interact with other medicines, including some anti-seizure medications.
FOR FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS
WATCH, READ, AND BRING IT TO YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT
Short, plain-language materials you can view, download, and share. Free to use.
VIDEOS
INFOGRAPHICS
Prescription vs. Supplement CBD
Using Multiple CBD Products
CBD & Medication Interactions
START HERE
FAMILY CONVERSATION TOOLKIT
A short guide to bring to your next appointment, with questions to ask and what to share about any CBD product you're using.
FOR CLINICIANS
HCP CONVERSATION TOOLKIT
A quick-reference guide for starting the CBD conversation in a standard, non-judgmental way, so you and the families you care for walk into the appointment ready for the same conversation.
Cannabinoid science refresher
The essentials, in brief.
Red flags to monitor
What to watch for once you know CBD is in the picture.
Documented medication interactions
Including with anti-seizure medications.
Ready-to-use conversation starters
Language that invites families to share openly.
FOR PATIENT ADVOCACY GROUPS & REN PARTNERS
SHARE THESE MATERIALS WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
REN provides white-labelled materials. Partner organizations share them during Epilepsy Awareness Month in November and receive a grant for their time.
25 spots
20 for REN member PAGs and 5 for REN partners
$1,000
grant per organization, whatever your size
2 posts
over two weeks in November, plus a 10-minute report
TIMELINE
Oct 5
Applications open
Oct 16
Applications close
Oct 26
Partners notified + materials shared
Nov 9-14
Post package #1: physician video + 2 infographics
Nov 15-20
Post package #2: family video + 2 infographics
Nov 25
Report 3 metrics (~10 min)
Within 1 month
$1,000 grant issued
WHO CAN APPLY
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US-based 501(c)(3) organizations
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Able to post on 2+ social media platforms
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Any audience size is welcome
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First-come, first-served if spots fill up
Apply by Friday, October 16.
Questions? Email emily.wright@rareepilepsynetwork.org
TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
These materials are for education only and are not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change any medication, including CBD, without talking to your healthcare team.
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This initiative is supported in part by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. REN and its working group independently developed all materials. All family-facing materials are non-promotional and brand-neutral.
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