Marijuana-Derived Medicine Could Dramatically Reduce Seizures

BOSTON, MA — A marijuana-derived medicine called cannabidiol can be used to treat patients with seizures, potentially reducing episodes by 50 percent, according to a new study to be presented at American Academy of Neurology's 69th Annual Meeting in Boston.

"Our study found that cannabidiol shows great promise in that it may reduce seizures that are otherwise difficult to control," said study author Dr. Anup Patel at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Cannabidiol is not a psychoactive substance and does not have intoxicating effects.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 225 people who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a specific form of epilepsy that results in highly frequent seizures. On average, the participants had 85 "drop seizures" a week before entering the study, which cause patients to collapse. These types of seizures a dangerous, difficult to control, and often do not respond well to medications.

But in the study, patients on a high dose of cannabidiol found their drop seizures reduced by 42 percent; on a lower dose, the seizures reduced by 37 percent. In 40 percent and 36 percent of those treatment groups, respectively, patients experienced a 50 percent or greater reduction in drop seizures.

"Our results suggest that cannabidiol may be effective for those with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in treating drop seizures," said Patel. "This is important because this kind of epilepsy is incredibly difficult to treat. While there were more side effects for those taking cannabidiol, they were mostly well-tolerated. I believe that it may become an important new treatment option for these patients."

Patients had tried six medications, on average, prior to the study without much success.

"Those receiving cannabidiol were up to 2.6 times more likely to say their overall condition had improved than those receiving the placebo, with up to 66 percent reporting improvement compared to 44 percent of those receiving the placebo," said a press release for the study. It also noted that 94 percent of those taking the higher dose of the medication experienced side effects, which mostly included decreased appetite and sleepiness.

The researchers are planning to submit the drug to the Food and Drug Administration for approval.

The seizure-reducing powers of the marijuana plant have been rumored for years. While some studies had shown positive results, the National Academy of Sciences reported earlier in the year, that there was insufficient evidence to believe that the compound could treat epilepsy. At the time, the academy reviewed three studies of the subject, which they felt were inconclusive.

This new study, however, may prove more persuasive than those that came before. The largest study size academy examined had 162 patients and used no control subjects. Patel's study will be seen as stronger on both fronts.

But approval by the FDA requires much more rigorous evidence, conducted over larger study groups for a long period of time. And because of the federal government's strict control over cannabis plants, running experiments can be legally tricky. Even if cannabidiol proves effective at treating epilepsy, don't expect to see it on your pharmacy shelves any time soon.

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