Artisanal CBD preparations reduced seizures by 50% or more in 39% of children with epilepsy, with increased alertness in 14%
A retrospective study of 108 children with epilepsy found that artisanal CBD oil preparations achieved greater than 50% seizure reduction in 39% of patients (10% seizure-free), with increased alertness and improved verbal interactions in 14%, and sedation as the main side effect in less than 4%.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers reviewed records of 108 pediatric epilepsy patients using artisanal CBD oil preparations at a tertiary medical center.
39% of patients achieved greater than 50% seizure reduction, with 10% becoming seizure-free.
No patients achieved CBD monotherapy, but AED weaning became possible in 22% of patients.
Patients also taking clobazam had a slightly higher response rate (44% vs 33% without clobazam), but this difference was not statistically significant.
Sedation was the most common side effect, occurring in less than 4% of patients, all of whom were also taking clobazam.
Notably, 14% of patients showed increased alertness and improved verbal interactions, a positive cognitive effect.
Benefits were more marked in the CBD-alone group compared to CBD + clobazam, but this difference was also not statistically significant.
Key Numbers
108 patients. 39% achieved >50% seizure reduction. 10% seizure-free. AED weaning possible in 22%. Sedation in <4% (all on clobazam). 14% showed increased alertness/verbal interactions. Clobazam subgroup: 44% vs 33% response (not significant).
How They Did This
Retrospective study of 108 pediatric epilepsy patients using artisanal CBD preparations. Medical record review. Subgroup comparison by clobazam use. Comparison of CBD responder rate to clobazam responder rate in overlapping cohort.
Why This Research Matters
While pharmaceutical CBD (Epidiolex) data gets the most attention, most families using CBD for epilepsy are using artisanal preparations from dispensaries. This real-world data from a tertiary center shows that artisanal products can be effective, with response rates comparable to clobazam and with a favorable side effect profile.
The Bigger Picture
The 14% of patients showing improved alertness and verbal interactions is particularly interesting because it suggests CBD may have positive cognitive effects beyond seizure control, which could matter enormously for quality of life in children with epilepsy.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Retrospective design. Artisanal products are not standardized (varying CBD content, purity, and other cannabinoid levels). No placebo control. Observer/caregiver bias in reporting seizure counts. Small numbers in subgroup analyses.
Questions This Raises
- ?How do artisanal CBD products compare to pharmaceutical CBD in a controlled trial?
- ?What explains the improved alertness in some patients?
- ?Are specific artisanal formulations more effective than others?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 39% had >50% seizure reduction; 14% showed improved alertness and verbal interactions
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate. Real-world data from a tertiary center with adequate sample, but retrospective design and unstandardized artisanal products limit conclusions.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2018, before FDA approval of Epidiolex. Artisanal CBD use for epilepsy continues alongside pharmaceutical options.
- Original Title:
- Efficacy of artisanal preparations of cannabidiol for the treatment of epilepsy: Practical experiences in a tertiary medical center.
- Published In:
- Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 80, 240-246 (2018)
- Authors:
- Porcari, Giulia S, Fu, Cary, Doll, Emily D, Carter, Emma G, Carson, Robert P
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01796
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Are artisanal CBD products as good as Epidiolex?
This study found response rates (39% with >50% improvement) that are broadly comparable to pharmaceutical CBD trials. However, artisanal products are not standardized, so CBD content, purity, and the presence of other cannabinoids varies. This makes dosing less precise and quality less guaranteed.
Why did some children become more alert on CBD?
The 14% who showed increased alertness and improved verbal interactions may have benefited from better seizure control (fewer subclinical seizures), reduction of sedating AEDs, or direct cognitive effects of CBD. This finding is noteworthy and deserves further study.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01796APA
Porcari, Giulia S; Fu, Cary; Doll, Emily D; Carter, Emma G; Carson, Robert P. (2018). Efficacy of artisanal preparations of cannabidiol for the treatment of epilepsy: Practical experiences in a tertiary medical center.. Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 80, 240-246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.01.026
MLA
Porcari, Giulia S, et al. "Efficacy of artisanal preparations of cannabidiol for the treatment of epilepsy: Practical experiences in a tertiary medical center.." Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.01.026
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Efficacy of artisanal preparations of cannabidiol for the tr..." RTHC-01796. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/porcari-2018-efficacy-of-artisanal-preparations
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.