A new scientific review confirms what many families and patients have been saying for years—CBD significantly reduces seizures in people with epilepsy, especially when other treatments fail. The data shows it works at more than double the rate of placebo, with relatively mild side effects. In this article, we dive into what the study found, how it helps real people, and why this is another major win for cannabis-based medicine.
The Science: What the New CBD Study Shows
A newly published review in the medical journal Acta Epileptologica took a close look at six different clinical trials that tested CBD (cannabidiol) for patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. These are patients who’ve tried multiple medications but still suffer from frequent and sometimes dangerous seizures.
Here’s what researchers found:
- CBD users saw an average 41% drop in seizures.
- Placebo groups saw just 18%, less than half that of CBD users.
- Side effects were generally mild—mostly drowsiness, reduced appetite, and a few cases of stomach discomfort.
CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it doesn’t get you high like THC. But it still interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that helps control things like sleep, stress, inflammation, and—yes—seizures.
Why This Study Is a Big Deal
We already know that Epidiolex, an FDA-approved CBD medicine, helps treat rare forms of epilepsy like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. But this review takes it further. It looks at how CBD works for people who don’t have those specific diagnoses, but still experience chronic, drug-resistant epilepsy.
That’s important because:
- Millions of people worldwide live with epilepsy.
- Roughly 1 in 3 have seizures that don’t respond to medication.
- Many of these patients are children.
For families in crisis, CBD offers a natural, science-backed alternative to pharmaceuticals that often come with serious side effects. And unlike harsh anti-seizure drugs, CBD has a much lower risk of addiction or toxicity.
Dosage Matters: What the Review Found
The review also looked at how much CBD patients were taking. Those who took higher doses (20mg/kg/day) showed slightly better seizure control than those on lower doses (10mg/kg/day). But both doses provided meaningful benefits.
This gives doctors and families more flexibility. Patients can start low and adjust gradually, working toward the dose that’s right for them—without the risk of overdose that comes with many traditional epilepsy medications.
What’s the Catch? Access and Affordability
Here’s the challenge: Even though we know CBD works, many people still can’t get it—especially outside of the U.S. In Brazil, where some of this research was based, CBD isn’t part of the public healthcare system. That means families have to import it at their own expense, sometimes paying hundreds or thousands of dollars per month.
Some families have even moved to the U.S. just to enroll their children in clinical trials. One mother moved from Brazil to Ohio, hoping her child could access life-changing CBD treatment. That’s a major decision—proof of just how desperate families are for safe, effective cannabis-based options.
It’s a clear signal to lawmakers: Policy reform matters.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Cannabis Culture
This is about more than epilepsy. It’s about changing the way we see cannabis.
For decades, cannabis was labeled a dangerous drug with no medical value. Today, science is proving the opposite. Research like this confirms what so many people have known for years: Cannabis is medicine.
At High Science, we believe education is power. By sharing studies like this, we aim to:
- Normalize cannabis-based medicine
- Promote responsible cannabis use
- Push for better access, especially for families in need
This isn’t just a trend. It’s a movement to reclaim wellness—safely, naturally, and backed by science.
Conclusion: What You Can Do
If you’re new to the world of medical cannabis, this study is a great place to start. It’s evidence-based, peer-reviewed, and focused on real patients with real needs.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, it’s crucial to keep learning, stay informed, and support policies that make CBD and other cannabinoids accessible to the people who need them most.
CBD is more than a buzzword—it’s a breakthrough. And as more research emerges, one thing is clear: The future of medicine is growing right out of the ground.
For more on topics like these, check this link out BEHIND THE BUD: CANNABIS WORKERS FACE HEALTH RISKS—HERE’S WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW
