Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Marijuana, specifically certain cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), has scientific validation for supporting the treatment of some convulsive disorders, most notably specific types of epilepsy. Several well-controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a purified CBD extract, for these indications based on robust clinical evidence.

The proposed mechanism involves CBD’s modulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release, though the exact pathways are still being studied. Notably, THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is not typically used for convulsive disorders due to potential side effects and lack of consistent anticonvulsant action in controlled studies.

While marijuana has a long history of traditional use for various ailments, the modern scientific acceptance of its role in treating convulsions is specifically tied to CBD and not to the crude marijuana plant or THC-rich preparations. The evidence base is not universal for all types of convulsions or epilepsy, but for the conditions where it has been studied, the quality of evidence is relatively high. As such, the scientific consensus supports CBD as a treatment adjunct for certain severe convulsive disorders, with ongoing research into broader applications.

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