Epilepsy

Cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), has shown significant promise in managing epilepsy, especially in treatment-resistant forms of the condition. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, modulating neuronal activity and reducing hyperexcitability in the brain, which is a key factor in seizures (Devinsky et al., 2014). Clinical trials have demonstrated that CBD can significantly reduce seizure frequency, providing a potential lifeline for patients who do not respond to conventional antiepileptic drugs (Thiele et al., 2018).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, for treating rare epileptic syndromes such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, highlighting its efficacy and safety profile (FDA, 2018). Studies suggest that CBD not only reduces the severity of seizures but also improves quality of life by decreasing associated symptoms like anxiety and sleep disturbances (Szaflarski et al., 2018).

While CBD's therapeutic potential is compelling, THC—a psychoactive cannabinoid—should be approached cautiously in epilepsy management due to its potential to exacerbate seizures in some cases. As research advances, cannabis-derived treatments could play an increasingly important role in personalized epilepsy care.

References

1. Devinsky, O., Cilio, M. R., Cross, H., et al. (2014). Cannabidiol: pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Epilepsia, 55(6), 791-802.
2. FDA (2018). FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
3. Szaflarski, J. P., Bebin, E. M., Comi, A. M., et al. (2018). Long-term safety and treatment effects of cannabidiol in children and adults with treatment-resistant epilepsies: expanded access program results. Epilepsia, 59(8), 1540-1548.
4. Thiele, E. A., Marsh, E. D., French, J. A., et al. (2018). Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. The Lancet, 391(10125), 1085-1096.
5. Devinsky, O., Patel, A. D., Cross, J. H., et al. (2017). Effect of cannabidiol on drop seizures in the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine, 376(21), 2011-2020.