The latest for epilepsy and medical marijuana

Life can be rough to manage this disease, but here is the latest for epilepsy and medical marijuana

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world and, according to the World Health Organization and the CDC, affects an estimated 50 million people in the United States alone and 3.4 million in the United States alone. It causes recurring, unprovoked seizures and can strongly influence the quality of life. Despite the availability of numerous anti-attack medication, about 30% of epilepsy patients are resistant to medication, which means that their seizures remain uncontrolled. This treatment gap has caused many patients and researchers to examine alternative therapies.

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Epidiolex (also known as Epidyolex in Europe) is the first of the prescription medication attributed by the FDA, which is specified for Dravet syndrome, Lennox GastAut syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex in children aged 1 and up. Approved in the United States in 2018, Epidiolex has shown a significant reduction in seizures in randomized clinical studies, although side effects such as sleepiness, diarrhea and increased liver enzymes were reported. Remarkably, the drug does not contain THC and does not cause psychoactive effects.

A real World study in 2024 showed that the CBD in many children with medication-resistant epilepsy was reduced by over 40%-not limited to the syndiolex goals. Another study published in neurosciences in 2025 reported on striking results in 19 patients with cannabinoid oil with full spectrum.

Studies in the health of the NYU Langone have worked together how CBD can work: by the disturbance of specific paths in the brain, which are associated with the neuronal overexcitation and seizure activity. This includes the modulation of calcium ion channels, adenosine signaling and the inhibition of certain inflammatory reactions.

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) supports increased research on cannabis-based treatments for neurological diseases, including epilepsy. The epilepsy foundation also supports the careful use of CBD in pharmaceutical quality for rare forms of epilepsy and highlights ongoing studies such as the pediatric clinical care study in Canada.

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Un -regulated CBD or THC products can contain inconsistent doses or contaminants. THC-rich products in particular can make seizures worse or cause psychiatric side effects in sensitive people. Experts recommend using formulations for epilepsy guided only with doctors and tested on the laboratory.

While Epidiolex represents a main milestone for CBD in epilepsy treatment, a broader use of medical marijuana must be guided by evidence and medical supervision. While research is developing, cannabinoid base for people with drug -resistant epilepsy can offer real hope.