Most Countries Where CBD Is Approved for Epilepsy Still Can't Afford or Access It

Of 86 responding ILAE chapters (68% response rate), only 32 countries had regulatory approval for cannabinoids in epilepsy, with 21 approving only CBD. Among approved countries, 23 (71.8%) reported cannabinoids unaffordable and 18 (56.2%) reported them difficult to access. Unapproved cannabinoid products were available over-the-counter in 34 countries.

Survey conducted by the ILAE Plant-Based Therapy Task Force through its chapters from June to December 2023. 86 of 126 chapters (68%) responded. Responses were screened and analyzed using pre-set criteria for availability, accessibility, and affordability.

Even where cannabinoids are legally available for epilepsy, most patients can't access or afford them. Meanwhile, unregulated products are filling the gap in 40% of countries, raising quality and safety concerns for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

CBD for epilepsy is one of the most evidence-based uses of cannabinoids in medicine, with FDA and EMA approval. Yet this survey reveals that regulatory approval alone is not enough — affordability and access remain massive barriers, and nearly half the world's ILAE chapters want advocacy help.

Survey-based, relying on chapter representatives' knowledge. 32% non-response rate may introduce bias. Snapshot from 2023, and availability is changing rapidly. Cannot capture patient-level access experiences.