Researchers at Imperial College, London, have found evidence of medical cannabis reducing seizure frequency in patients suffering from childhood epilepsy.
Medical Cannabis involves extracts of the whole marijuana plant. Generally, this includes a mixture of both the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and the non-psychoactive CBD (cannabidiol). Research has shown medical cannabis to be effective in treating individuals with epilepsy disorders. Despite the promising evidence, the treatment is not currently legal in the United Kingdom (UK).
In 2018, following a campaign by Hannah Deacon, the UK amended their laws and allowed specialists to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMP). However, as per the National Institute for Clinical and Healthcare Excellence (NICE) guidelines, only CBD is allowed for use by prescription. Furthermore, NICE only recommends the treatment for two rare, severe forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome.
As a result, multiple patients with other forms of epilepsy are unable to access the treatment. They are forced to source the substance from black markets or travel abroad where it’s legal. The cost and access barriers, therefore, prevent others from reaping the benefits and improving their quality of life.
97% Reduction in Seizures
Professor David Nutt and Rayyan Zafar at Imperial College, London conducted a retrospective study to investigate the impact of combined CBD and THC-based products. They collected data from 10 individuals with severe childhood-onset epilepsy using combined cannabinoid therapy. They published their findings in the journal Drug Science, Policy, and Law.
Results showed a 97% reduction in the frequency of seizures post-CBMP treatment. Thus, providing evidence for the effectiveness of combined cannabinoid therapy. Furthermore, the patients all suffered from a range of epileptic conditions.
Patients and their families deserve better, so we implore policymakers, regulators, and public health bodies to prioritize the health of these individuals and help them to access the NHS medicines which are making a dramatic improvement to their lives.
Professor Rayyan Zafar, lead author
Reference:
RR Zafar et al. Ending the pain of children with severe epilepsy? An audit of the impact of medical cannabis in 10 patients, Drug Science, Policy and Law (2020). DOI: 10.1177/2050324520974487
Elliott J, DeJean D, Clifford T, et al. (2020) Cannabis-based products for pediatric epilepsy: An updated systematic review. Seizure 75: 18–22.
