Epidiolex (pharmaceutical CBD) is the only cannabis-derived drug approved by the FDA and EMA for epilepsy, with proven efficacy for Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex seizures.
Epilepsy patients, neurologists, parents of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy
Only FDA/EMA-approved cannabis-derived epilepsy drug
What the researchers found
CBD was isolated from cannabis in 1940 and has a confirmed anti-seizure effect without psychoactive activity. Epidiolex is the only cannabis-derived drug to complete clinical trials and gain FDA/EMA approval, specifically for Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.
Why it matters
As interest in cannabis-based treatments grows, it is important to distinguish between what is proven (Epidiolex for specific epilepsies) and what remains unproven (non-pharmaceutical CBD products for seizures).
The numbers in context
CBD isolated in 1940; Epidiolex is the only FDA/EMA approved cannabis-derived epilepsy drug; approved for Dravet, LGS, and TSC
How the study worked
Position paper reviewing the mechanism of CBD's anti-seizure action, completed clinical trials of Epidiolex, and current approved indications for CBD in epilepsy.
What this study cannot tell us
Position paper focused on pharmaceutical-grade CBD only. Does not address the growing use of non-pharmaceutical CBD products for seizures.
How to read the evidence
Position paper summarizing completed randomized controlled trials that led to regulatory approval.
When this study was published
Published in 2022
The bigger picture
Epidiolex represents the most successful translation of cannabis science into regulated medicine. Its approval pathway could serve as a model for other cannabinoid medications.
Questions still open
- Could CBD be effective for other epilepsy types beyond the three currently approved indications? How do non-pharmaceutical CBD products compare to Epidiolex in efficacy and safety?
Common questions
Is CBD approved for treating epilepsy?
Does CBD work for all types of epilepsy?
Read the original research
Use of cannabidiol in the treatment of epilepsy.
Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska, 56(1), 14-20
Citation
Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska, Maria; Zawadzka, Marta. (2022). Use of cannabidiol in the treatment of epilepsy.. Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska, 56(1), 14-20. https://doi.org/10.5603/PJNNS.a2022.0020
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