Illicit Cannabis Extracts Used for Childhood Epilepsy Had Wildly Inconsistent Content
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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."
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- THC was present in nearly every sample analyzed, and most contained low CBD - the opposite of what parents believed they were giving their children.
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary - descriptive study with chemical analysis of convenience samples from a self-selected population.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2018. Regulated CBD products (like Epidiolex) have since become available in many countries.
- Original Title:
- Composition and Use of Cannabis Extracts for Childhood Epilepsy in the Australian Community.
- Published In:
- Scientific reports, 8(1), 10154 (2018)
- Authors:
- Suraev, A, Lintzeris, N(3), Stuart, J, Kevin, R C, Blackburn, R, Richards, E, Arnold, J C, Ireland, C, Todd, L, Allsop, D J, McGregor, I S
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01845
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01845APA
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
MLA
Suraev, A, et al. "Composition and Use of Cannabis Extracts for Childhood Epilepsy in the Australian Community.." Scientific reports, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-28127-0
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Composition and Use of Cannabis Extracts for Childhood Epile..." RTHC-01845. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/suraev-2018-composition-and-use-of
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.