You’re about to read the compelling story of Paige Figi, whose unwavering dedication to her daughter Charlotte inspired a nationwide shift in medical cannabis policy. Over the course of 13 emotional years, Paige fought relentlessly to treat Charlotte’s severe epilepsy, navigating misdiagnoses, invasive treatments, and the isolation of medical crises. Her journey serves not only as a testament to a mother’s love, but also as the catalyst behind the rise of high-CBD hemp solutions for children. Five years after Charlotte’s passing, Paige remains at the forefront of her legacy.
Sudden Seizures Led to a Devastating Dravet Syndrome Diagnosis
Charlotte entered the world healthy, one of twin girls born full-term. But at just three months old, a sudden and violent seizure changed everything. “When it first happens, and something’s wrong with your newborn child, it’s that tragic, helpless feeling,” Paige recalls. Without a diagnosis until age two and a half, Charlotte endured expensive tests and invasive treatments in a heartbreaking routine. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a relentless form of epilepsy notoriously difficult to treat. “The first four years of her life were just a medical tragedy with all of these medications and sadness and intense medical interventions,” Paige recounts.
Hemp Extract Treatment Brought Miraculous Relief
Paige continued searching for hope long after traditional treatments failed. She discovered scientific breakthroughs involving high-CBD, low-THC full-spectrum hemp extract. Though there was no guarantee it would work, desperate hope led her to pursue it. At age four, while on hospice care, Charlotte began the hemp treatment. Miraculously, her seizures stopped—50 a day vanished. Her miraculous recovery included breathing room air again and regaining small milestones. “One little life thing at a time started coming back as the seizures stopped,” Paige remembers, tears evident. It was a medical miracle.
From Private Family to Public Figure in the Cannabis Debate
Charlotte’s dramatic recovery quickly drew media attention, thrusting Paige into an unexpected spotlight. Media outlets approached her, but she says, “I turned 99% of the media down,” until CNN and Dr. Sanjay Gupta reached out for the WEED documentary. This pivotal moment brought national attention to CBD’s medical potential. Paige, despite threats from Child Protective Services, stood by Charlotte’s treatment choices. Her family home became a sanctuary for other parents desperate for alternatives. “I opened my house to them… I had a soft landing,” Paige explains.
Divorce, Advocacy, and a Shift in Legislative Momentum
While balancing caregiving and raising her other children, Maxwell and twin Chase, Paige’s marriage dissolved. Her then-husband Matt was overseas in Special Forces. Among the pressures of illness and separation, she continued her advocacy. She traveled on red-eye flights to support legislation separating hemp extract from marijuana, lobbying state and federal levels. “It was the essence of community,” Paige says. Her work helped ensure families could legally access full-spectrum hemp extract, reshaping hundreds of lives.
Coping with Loss During a Global Pandemic
Charlotte lived until April 7, 2020, when she died at age 13 from a respiratory illness. Her death occurred in a COVID-19 wing of the hospital—she wasn’t diagnosed with COVID, but protocols made traditional mourning impossible. Paige describes the season as “tragic.” The loss shattered the nation, yet Charlotte’s influence endured. The community rallied with virtual concerts, candlelight vigils, and ongoing support for the Figi family. Paige maintained an open home during lockdown, honoring Charlotte’s memory with shared grief and shared hope.
Carrying On Charlotte’s Spirit Through Legacy Projects
Today, Paige channels her grief into purposeful action. She’s championing access to cannabinoid therapies through Coalition for Access Now and continues raising awareness about Charlotte’s Web® full-spectrum hemp. Beyond advocacy, Paige purchased Charlotte’s Ranch in Hahn’s Peak, Colorado. The ranch, home to sheep and cattle, is planned as an inclusive retreat for families of medically fragile children. “I feel driven to do this for people who’ve never been offered anything,” she explains. The ranch will reflect Charlotte’s warmth, her resilience, and her spirit of hope.
Children Raised to Honor Love and Empathy
Paige credits the family’s trials for shaping her children into empathetic, caring individuals. Maxwell and Chase learned compassion from supporting their twin sister. Families who experienced similar losses found solace together on the ranch and in shared ceremonies. Through bonfires, music, and stories, the Figi children continue to share Charlotte’s legacy out loud. They’ve grown into resilient young adults, supported by a grieving mother whose love remains visible in every milestone and memory. “We still grieve together. We share her out loud,” Paige affirms.
Charlotte’s Life Redefined Medical Cannabis for Children
Charlotte’s story transcended individual healing to challenge stigma and reform healthcare. From a helpless newborn facing terminal epilepsy, she became a symbol of medical possibility. Her recovery prompted critical legislative shifts separating hemp from marijuana and enabling ongoing research. Today, CBD products are more accessible and better understood. Paige says, “It’s way bigger than kids with epilepsy.” Through the pain and hope, their mission endures. Charlotte may no longer be here, but her impact continues to build bridges across medicine, legislation, and everyday compassion.
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Via: People
