Charlotte Figi’s Story
If you’re an advocate for hemp, or you’ve read about the history of CBD, you probably know the name Charlotte Figi.
Charlotte’s story inspired many after she was featured in the documentary “Weed.” People came to know the story of a child plagued by violent seizures which were tamed with a strain of marijuana called “Charlotte’s Web.”
She suffered from Dravet syndrome which is a rare form of epilepsy that cannot be controlled with regular medication. Her first seizures started when she was only three months old, and by age 3 Charlotte was wheelchair bound, stopped talking and couldn’t eat. By age 5 she was suffering from up to 300 grand mal seizures a week and her doctors decided to put her into a medically induced coma so her body could rest.
At the same time Charlotte’s condition was progressing, the Stanley brothers, a pair of marijuana growers in Colorado, were working on a high-CBD, low-THC strain. Charlotte’s parents contacted the Stanley brothers, and began treating their daughter with the new strain. They had exhausted all other medical options, and thought they might as well try medical marijuana.
They saw immediate results. Her seizures went down to almost zero, and Charlotte began to enjoy a childhood where she could walk, talk, and play. Because of the low THC content, Charlotte and her parents didn’t have to worry about the side effects of being “high.”
Originally called Hippie’s Disappointment because of the low THC, the Stanley brothers named the strain Charlotte’s Web in honor of this brave girl.
In Memory of Charlotte
Now, we’re honoring Charlotte Figi’s memory, as she has recently passed away from complications with pneumonia, breathing problems, and seizures. In early April, Charlotte and her family had been sick with symptoms of COVID-19, and while the rest of the family recovered, Charlotte’s health took a turn for the worse after hopeful signs of recovery. Although she tested negative for the virus, her mother says she may have been tested too late for an accurate result.
Honoring Charlotte on their website, the Stanley brothers said:
“Inspiring is a lacking word, as are courageous and vivacious and strong and beautiful. She was divine,” they wrote. “She grew, cultivated by a community, protected by love, demanding that the world witness her suffering so that they might find a solution. She rose every day, awakening others with her courage, and with that smile that infected your spirit at the cellular level.”
To read the full memorium on their website, click here: https://www.charlottesweb.com/blog/inmemoriam-charlotte
Before her treatments with CBD, doctors did not expect Charlotte to live past the age of 8. Although she defied the odds and lived to be 13 years old, it still feels like she’s gone much too soon.
We thank you, Charlotte, for inspiring us all.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/08/health/charlotte-figi-cbd-marijuana-dies/index.html
