Use of cannabidiol in the treatment of epilepsy

Introduction: Cannabis sativa has been cultivated for human use for about 5,000 years, and has likewise been used in the treatment of epilepsy for thousands of years.

State of the art: Cannabidiol (CBD), which was isolated from cannabis sativa in 1940, has an anti-seizure effect and no psychoactive activity. Its effectiveness in reducing various types of seizures has been proven in animal seizure and epilepsy models. Recent randomised, placebo-controlled trials have confirmed its effectiveness in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Clinical implications: The aim of this position paper was to present the specific mechanism of CBD’s anti-seizure action and current indications for CBD’s use in epilepsy. The only cannabis-derived drug that has successfully passed clinical trials and has obtained United States Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approval for epilepsy is Epidiolex®. This paper presents the outcomes of the completed clinical trials with the use of this drug.

Future directions: CBD may be an effective drug in drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in Dravet Syndrome, Lennox- Gastaut Syndrome and seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. Additional randomised, placebo-controlled studies with CBD are needed.