Cannabidiol may not reduce seizures for adults with drug-resistant epilepsy

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-07-09 01:00

Australia; VIC

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A study in adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy has found little evidence that cannabidiol can reduce their seizures. A team of Aussie and international researchers randomised 188 patients to receive either small or large doses of cannabidiol through the skin or placebo over 12 weeks. At the end of the study period, the researchers say there was no significant difference in seizure reduction between the three groups. Over a more long-term follow up period they say seizure rates in the cannabidiol-treated participants were somewhat reduced from what could be expected, suggesting more research using higher doses could be warranted as the medication appeared to be well-tolerated and safe.