Illicit Cannabis Extracts Used for Childhood Epilepsy Had Wildly Inconsistent Content | Research

The takeaway

Chemical analysis of cannabis extracts used by Australian families for childhood epilepsy revealed high variability in cannabinoid content, with most samples containing low CBD and significant THC - contrary to parents' expectations.

Parents using cannabis for children's epilepsy, pediatric neurologists, cannabis regulation policy makers.

THC was present in nearly every sample analyzed, and most contained low CBD - the opposite of what parents believed they were giving their children.

What the researchers found

There was high variability in cannabinoid content across extracts. Most samples contained low CBD concentrations despite parents believing they were using CBD-rich products. THC was present in nearly every sample. No clear chemical differences existed between extracts families rated as "effective" versus "ineffective."

Why it matters

Many families are using illicit cannabis products for their children's epilepsy without knowing what's actually in them. This study reveals a dangerous knowledge gap: parents think they are giving CBD, but most products contain significant THC and unpredictable CBD levels.

The numbers in context

65 families interviewed. 41 current/past cannabis extract users. THC present in nearly every sample. Most samples had low CBD. No chemical difference between "effective" and "ineffective" extracts.

How the study worked

Semi-structured interviews with 65 Australian families (41 current/past users, 24 non-users of cannabis extracts) whose children had epilepsy. Chemical analysis of extracts for cannabinoid content, comparing "effective" vs "ineffective" samples.

What this study cannot tell us

Convenience sample of families already engaged with cannabis use. Chemical analysis of samples was limited to cannabinoid content. "Effective" and "ineffective" ratings were subjective parent assessments.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary - descriptive study with chemical analysis of convenience samples from a self-selected population.

When this study was published

Published in 2018. Regulated CBD products (like Epidiolex) have since become available in many countries.

The bigger picture

This study highlights the risk of relying on unregulated cannabis products for medical use, especially in children. The inability to distinguish "effective" from "ineffective" extracts by cannabinoid profile also raises questions about the specific mechanisms of benefit reported by families.

Questions still open

If effective and ineffective extracts have similar cannabinoid profiles, what explains the reported differences? Are families experiencing placebo effects? Could THC be contributing to seizure control in some cases?

Common questions

Are illicit cannabis oils safe for children with epilepsy?

This study found that illicit cannabis extracts used by Australian families varied enormously in content. Most contained significant THC and low CBD, contrary to parents' expectations. Regulated pharmaceutical-grade CBD products provide much more consistent and predictable dosing.

Do parents know what is in the cannabis products they give their children?

Generally not, according to this study. Chemical analysis revealed most samples contained more THC than parents expected and less CBD. The variability was so high that "effective" and "ineffective" products could not be distinguished by their chemical profile.

Read the original research

Composition and Use of Cannabis Extracts for Childhood Epilepsy in the Australian Community.

Scientific reports, 8(1), 10154

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Suraev, A; Lintzeris, N; Stuart, J; Kevin, R C; Blackburn, R; Richards, E; Arnold, J C; Ireland, C; Todd, L; Allsop, D J; McGregor, I S. (2018). Composition and Use of Cannabis Extracts for Childhood Epilepsy in the Australian Community.. Scientific reports, 8(1), 10154. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-28127-0