Parents pursuing medical cannabis for their children with drug-resistant epilepsy encountered resistance from neurologists, lacked insurance coverage, and spent up to $2,000 per month out of pocket.
Parents of children with epilepsy, healthcare policy researchers, and advocates for medical cannabis access.
Up to $2,000/month out-of-pocket for medical cannabis
What the researchers found
Most parents encountered resistance from their child's neurologist when seeking medical cannabis authorization, forcing many to seek authorization through cannabis clinics instead of their existing care team.
Why it matters
Even in Canada, where medical cannabis is legal, families of children with drug-resistant epilepsy face systemic barriers that can compromise care quality and create financial hardship.
The numbers in context
Participants reported spending up to $2,000 per month on medical cannabis. Most parents were unable to get reimbursement through public or private insurance programs.
How the study worked
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 19 parents of children with drug-resistant epilepsy in Canada. Data was analyzed using a patient-centered access to care framework across five dimensions: approachability, acceptability, availability, affordability, and appropriateness.
What this study cannot tell us
Small qualitative sample of 19 parents, which may not represent all experiences. The study was conducted in a specific Canadian policy context.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: qualitative research with a structured framework, though limited by small sample size.
When this study was published
Published in 2020 in Epilepsy & Behavior.
The bigger picture
The disconnect between legal availability and practical access highlights the need for physician education on medical cannabis, insurance coverage policies, and integrated care pathways.
Questions still open
- Would physician training on cannabis-based epilepsy treatments reduce access barriers? How do these barriers compare in jurisdictions with different regulatory frameworks?
Common questions
Why did parents seek medical cannabis for their children?
What was the biggest barrier?
Read the original research
Barriers in accessing medical cannabis for children with drug-resistant epilepsy in Canada: A qualitative study.
Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 111, 107120
Citation
Elliott, Jesse; DeJean, Deirdre; Potter, Beth K; Coyle, Doug; Clifford, Tammy; McCoy, Bláthnaid; Wells, George A. (2020). Barriers in accessing medical cannabis for children with drug-resistant epilepsy in Canada: A qualitative study.. Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 111, 107120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107120
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