The Relationship Between Epilepsy and Cannabis

Abstract

Epilepsy is a disorder in which several recurrent seizures occur, and despite the fact that there are over twenty anti-seizure drugs available, more than 30% of people with epilepsy continue to have seizures (Friedman & Devinsky, 2015; Kolb & Whishaw, 2009). Many researchers have turned to marijuana, specifically the constituent cannabidiol (CBD), as they search for new solutions to effectively help this treatment-resistant form of epilepsy. The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment between the relationship of marijuana and epilepsy. I will review a total of six studies, including one case study, and one meta-analysis. A considerable amount of controversy surrounds this topic, as marijuana is illegal in many parts of the world, and many researchers are undecided as to whether its legalization will be beneficial or not. In spite of this disagreement, most researchers believe that marijuana, specifically CBD, has shown some evidence in regard to the positive health benefits and reduction of seizures in epilepsy. Future analysis requires high quality and reliable studies which can continue to further our understanding of the relationship between marijuana and epilepsy.