rethinkTHC Search
Menu
Home / Research library
Study breakdown

Updated review confirms cannabidiol likely reduces seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy

RTHC-025312020Elliott, Jesse; DeJean, Deirdre; Clifford, Tammy; Coyle, Doug; Potter, Beth K; Skidmore, Becky; Alexander, Christine; Repetski, Alexander E; Shukla, Vijay; McCoy, Bláthnaid; Wells, George A
Systematic ReviewStrong evidence
The takeaway

An updated systematic review of 35 studies, including four RCTs, found cannabidiol probably reduces seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy but increases gastrointestinal side effects.

Parents, clinicians, and researchers involved in pediatric epilepsy treatment decisions.

35 studies reviewed, including 4 RCTs

What the researchers found

Data from both RCTs and non-randomized studies suggest cannabidiol reduces seizure frequency as adjunctive treatment, though RCTs showed no statistically significant difference for seizure freedom, quality of life, or sleep disruption compared to placebo.

Why it matters

This updated review adds 12 new studies since 2018 and provides the most comprehensive evidence summary for cannabidiol in pediatric epilepsy, confirming earlier findings of seizure frequency reduction.

The numbers in context

35 studies analyzed (12 new since April 2018), including 4 RCTs. Seizure freedom RR: 6.77 (95% CI 0.36-128.38). Quality of life MD: 0.6 (95% CI -2.6 to 3.9).

How the study worked

Updated systematic review searching for studies published through May 2019. Included RCTs and non-randomized studies of cannabis-based products in children with epilepsy. Four RCTs and 31 non-randomized studies were analyzed.

What this study cannot tell us

Wide confidence intervals for seizure freedom reflect small sample sizes. Most studies used CBD as adjunctive treatment, making it difficult to isolate its independent effect. Increased GI adverse events are a concern.

How to read the evidence

Strong: systematic review incorporating multiple RCTs and non-randomized studies with structured methodology.

When this study was published

Published in 2020 in Seizure.

The bigger picture

While CBD does not appear to achieve seizure freedom more than placebo, its ability to reduce seizure frequency in treatment-resistant cases represents a meaningful option for families who have exhausted conventional therapies.

Questions still open

  • What is the optimal CBD dosing for pediatric epilepsy? Can the gastrointestinal side effects be managed to improve tolerability? Does long-term CBD use maintain its seizure-reducing effects?

Common questions

Does CBD cure epilepsy in children?
No. The review found CBD did not significantly increase seizure freedom compared to placebo. However, it appears to reduce how often seizures occur, which can still be meaningful for children with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
What were the side effects?
Children taking CBD had an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to placebo. The review noted this as a consistent finding across studies.

Read the original research

Cannabis-based products for pediatric epilepsy: An updated systematic review.

Seizure, 75, 18-22

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Elliott, Jesse; DeJean, Deirdre; Clifford, Tammy; Coyle, Doug; Potter, Beth K; Skidmore, Becky; Alexander, Christine; Repetski, Alexander E; Shukla, Vijay; McCoy, Bláthnaid; Wells, George A. (2020). Cannabis-based products for pediatric epilepsy: An updated systematic review.. Seizure, 75, 18-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2019.12.006

Explore the wider topic