This page covers cannabis-based anti-seizure medication, which can be prescribed for specific epilepsy syndromes.
In exceptional circumstances, on a case-by-case basis, specialists may also prescribe it for children or young people with other types of complex epilepsy.
What’s in cannabis-based anti-seizure medication?
Cannabis-based anti-seizure medication has two primary active ingredients:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive – meaning it alters mood, causing what’s known as a ‘high’
- Cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-psychoactive, does not alter mood
There’s enough evidence to support using CBD anti-seizure medication for some specific childhood epilepsy syndromes, but there’s little evidence on how safe or effective medicines containing THC are to treat seizures in children.
Who can be prescribed cannabis-based anti-seizure medication?
Epidyolex (a pharmaceutically prepared CBD) is the only cannabis-based medicine that the NHS routinely funds and prescribes.
It has been approved to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
There is some evidence that cannabis-based medicine can also reduce seizures in children with other types of complex epilepsy.
Only paediatric neurologists can prescribe Epidyolex for these children.
But this is on a case-by-case basis, in exceptional circumstances where other treatments have not worked.
If you want to consider Epidyolex for your child, or for yourself if you are a young person, speak with your paediatric neurologist.
The British Paediatric Neurology Association does not recommend prescribing unlicensed cannabis-based medicines, including those containing THC, for children with complex epilepsy.
Children and young people's best interests should always be the guiding principle in any treatment decisions.
NICE has called for further research into the use of CBD and THC for severe epilepsy that does not respond to treatment.
The Refractory Epilepsy Specialist Clinical Advisory Service
A UK-wide Refractory Epilepsy Specialist Clinical Advisory Service (RESCAS) has been set up to provide advice and support to paediatric neurologists for the treatment of uncontrolled epileptic seizures, including consideration of cannabis-based medicines.
Any regional children’s neurology centre can refer a child or young person's case to RESCAS for discussion.
What about street cannabis?
Cannabis-based medicines are not the same as street cannabis, which is illegal and has not been tested to make sure it is effective in the same way as licensed medicines.
You should never attempt to use illegal cannabis as an anti-seizure medication.
What about CBD products in shops, in cafes and online?
CBD products are sold in shops, in cafes and online as food or food supplements, in products such as:
- Oils
- Drops or tinctures
- Gel capsules
- Sweets and confectionery
- Bread and other bakery products
- Drinks
However, these products have also not been tested to make sure they are safe and effective in the same way as licensed medicine.
The Food Standards Agency does not recommend CBD for children, or people taking any medication, unless under medical direction. This also applies to women who are pregnant, breast feeding or trying to conceive.
Find out more about cannabis-based medicines on the NHS website.
If you have any questions or concerns about cannabis-based medicines please speak with your consultant.
