Epilepsy Marijuana Research Studies

On June 25, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana: Epidiolex. Designed to treat seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, Epidiolex is a purified (> 98% oil-based) cannabidiol (CBD) extract from the cannabis plant administered via an oral spray.

According to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb:

“This approval serves as a reminder that advancing sound development programs that properly evaluate active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to important medical therapies.”

Prior to receiving FDA approval, Epidiolex underwent a number of clinical trials, demonstrating the efficacy of cannabis in treating epilepsy. For instance, in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed at 30 clinic centers, researchers found that the addition of CBD to traditional seizure medication significantly decreased the rate of drop (or atonic) seizures.

Before purchasing marijuana from a Florida medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC) – or dispensary – patients must first qualify for a medical marijuana certification; CannaMD provides qualified patients with the state-required recommendation to complete this process.

According to Florida state law, patients suffering from epilepsy may qualify for medical marijuana treatment.

Patients can see if they qualify for free by completing a brief form or calling 1 (855) 420-9170.

For additional information on epilepsy, please see CannaMD‘s Epilepsy Patient Resource Page.

CannaMD welcomes the opportunity to connect with fellow physicians and facilitate medical cannabis care.

For additional information, including how to refer epilepsy patients and request complementary referral cards, please visit CannaMD‘s Physician Resource Page.

While the list below is not exhaustive, we hope you will enjoy the following primary source articles reviewing epilepsy and marijuana research:

• Cannabidiol displays antiepileptiform and antiseizure properties in vitro and in vivo
• Cannabidivarin is anticonvulsant in mouse and rat
• CBD-enriched medical cannabis for intractable pediatric epilepsy: The current Israeli experience
• Effect of cannabidiol on drop seizures in the Lennox–Gastaut syndrome
• Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome