A medicine made from marijuana, but without THC, can help cut seizures for some kids with epilepsy, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
- Study shows drug Epidiolex, which uses marijuana, can cut seizures
- Study tested children with Dravet syndrome
- Strengthens case for more research into pot
- JUMP TO: What the research says about marijuana ▼
Researchers say the study strengthens the case for more research into pot's possible health benefits.
The study is the first large, rigorous test, something difficult to do because scientists need special licenses and deal with legal constraints.
Researchers tested a liquid form of cannabidiol, one of marijuana’s more than 100 ingredients, called Epidiolex, (eh’-pih-DYE’-uh-lehx). It doesn’t contain THC and is not sold anywhere yet, although its maker, GW Pharmaceuticals of London, is seeking U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.
The company paid for, designed and helped run the study, and another doctor involved in the study has related patents.
Patients in the study have Dravet syndrome, a type of epilepsy usually caused by a faulty gene. It starts in infancy and causes frequent seizures, some so long-lasting they require emergency care and can be fatal. Kids develop poorly, and their mental impairment seems related to the frequency of seizures — from 4 to as many as 1,717 a month in this study.
The study included 120 children and teens, ages 2 to 18, in the U.S. and Europe. They took about a teaspoon of oil twice a day (drug or placebo) plus their usual anti-seizure medicines for 14 weeks. Their symptoms were compared to the previous four weeks.
Serious seizures with convulsions dropped from around 12 a month to about six for those on the drug and did not change in the others. Three patients on the drug became seizure-free during the study.
Diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, sleep problems and other issues were more frequent in the drug group.
The drug is being tested in a second large study in kids with Dravet syndrome, and in studies of some other types of epilepsy.
What the research says about marijuana
In January, a U.S. advisory committee called for a national effort to learn more about marijuana, saying the lack of scientific information posed a risk to public health.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued a report that broke down what is known and not known about marijuana, based on current research.
Strong evidence that marijuana or cannabinoids:
- Can treat chronic pain in adults
- Can ease nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Can treat muscle stiffness and spasms in multiple sclerosis as measured by what patients say, but less strong evidence if the changes are measured by doctors
Research shows pot smoking may be linked to:
- Risk of developing schizophrenia and other causes of psychosis, with the highest risk among the most frequent users
- Risk of a traffic accident
- More frequent chronic bronchitis episodes from long-term use
- Lower birthweight in offspring of female users
Some evidence that pot or cannabinoids may:
- Improve short-term sleep in people with some medical conditions
- Boost appetite and ease weight loss in people with HIV or AIDS
- Ease symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and improve outcomes after traumatic brain injury
Some evidence suggests pot use may be linked to:
- Triggering a heart attack
- An increased risk of developing a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Pregnancy complications when used by the mother
- Impaired school achievement and outcomes
- Increased suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, especially among heavier users
- Risk of developing bipolar disorder, especially among regular users
There's not enough evidence to know if marijuana or cannabinoids can:
- Treat cancer
- Ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
- Help with movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease
- Improve mental health outcomes in people with schizophrenia
Also not enough evidence that marijuana is linked to:
- Increased risk of heart attacks over time from chronic use
- Development of post-traumatic stress disorder
- Changes in the course or symptoms of depression disorders
- Development or worsening of asthma
- Accidents or injuries on the job