Can CBD Edibles Help with Epilepsy? What Studies Show

CBD has gained widespread attention over the past decade for its potential to support various health conditions, including epilepsy. Many people in the UK have heard about CBD’s possible role in reducing seizures, particularly in children with severe forms of epilepsy. But what does the science actually say, and are CBD edibles an effective or safe way to use it?

This article explains what current research shows about CBD and epilepsy, how it’s used in medical treatment, and what to know before considering CBD edibles for seizure management.

Understanding Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes recurrent seizures. These seizures occur due to sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can affect behaviour, movement, or awareness.

There are many types of epilepsy, and severity varies from mild cases to severe, drug-resistant forms such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Managing epilepsy often involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases, surgery.

For people whose seizures don’t respond well to traditional medicines, CBD has become an area of growing interest.

What Is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you high.

In the UK, CBD products are widely available in health shops and online, including oils, edibles, and capsules. However, only one CBD-based medicine has been officially approved for use in epilepsy treatment.

The Medical Use of CBD for Epilepsy

The only CBD medicine currently licensed in the UK for epilepsy is called Epidyolex. It is a purified, prescription-only form of cannabidiol developed specifically to treat two rare and severe types of childhood epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome.

Epidyolex is used under medical supervision and is approved by both the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It is prescribed by specialists, not available over the counter, and its production and dosage are strictly regulated.

What the Research Says

CBD’s potential for epilepsy treatment first gained attention after studies in the early 2010s showed promising results in reducing seizures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Several key studies have since supported these findings:

• The New England Journal of Medicine (2017): A clinical trial found that children with Dravet syndrome who received CBD experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency compared to those given a placebo.
• The Lancet Neurology (2018): Another study on Lennox–Gastaut syndrome reported that CBD reduced the number of “drop seizures” in participants by over 40 percent.
• British Epilepsy Association findings: Research reviewed by UK epilepsy organisations supports CBD’s potential as an additional therapy for certain types of epilepsy when traditional medication is not effective.

These studies focus on high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade CBD under strict medical supervision, rather than commercially available CBD edibles or oils.

Can Over-the-Counter CBD Edibles Help with Epilepsy?

While Epidyolex has proven medical benefits, over-the-counter CBD edibles are a different matter. Most gummies, chocolates, or drinks sold in shops or online are classed as food supplements, not medicines.

This means they:

• Contain much lower doses of CBD than medical formulations
• Are not tested or regulated for medical use
• May vary in quality, purity, and consistency

Because of these differences, there is currently no scientific evidence that over-the-counter CBD edibles can treat or prevent seizures. People with epilepsy should not stop or replace prescribed medication with CBD products bought online or in shops without consulting a healthcare professional.

How CBD Is Believed to Work for Epilepsy

Scientists are still studying how CBD helps reduce seizures, but current theories suggest that it interacts with signalling systems in the brain that regulate electrical activity and neurotransmitter balance.

CBD may help stabilise nerve cell communication, reduce inflammation, and modulate calcium and sodium channels in the brain. These combined effects may help reduce seizure frequency or severity in some patients.

However, these mechanisms are complex, and more research is needed to fully understand them.

Risks and Side Effects

Even though CBD is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects, particularly at higher doses. Clinical trials of Epidyolex have reported:

• Tiredness or drowsiness
• Diarrhoea
• Changes in appetite
• Elevated liver enzymes (especially when combined with certain anti-seizure medications)

CBD can also interact with other drugs, including some prescribed for epilepsy, by affecting how the liver breaks them down. This can alter medication levels in the body and may increase side effects or reduce effectiveness.

For this reason, anyone with epilepsy should only use CBD under medical supervision.

The Importance of Medical Guidance

If you or someone you care for has epilepsy and is considering CBD, speak to a neurologist or epilepsy specialist first. They can assess whether CBD might be suitable, explain possible drug interactions, and monitor for side effects.

Self-treating with shop-bought CBD edibles is not recommended, as dosage and formulation vary widely between brands. Medical CBD products like Epidyolex are produced to strict pharmaceutical standards and prescribed at precisely controlled doses.

The Legal Status of CBD for Epilepsy in the UK

In the UK, CBD is legal when sold as a food supplement, provided it contains less than 0.2 percent THC and is derived from approved hemp strains. However, these products cannot make medical claims or be marketed as treatments for epilepsy.

Epidyolex remains the only legally approved form of CBD for epilepsy treatment, available on prescription through the NHS for eligible patients.

The Difference Between CBD Edibles and Medical CBD

Here’s how the two compare:

Medical CBD (Epidyolex)

• Prescription-only
• Pharmaceutical-grade purity
• Precisely measured dosage
• Under medical supervision
• Proven effectiveness for specific epilepsies

CBD Edibles (Food Supplements)

• Sold over the counter
• Unregulated potency and quality
• Intended for general wellness, not medical use
• No proven seizure-reducing effect
• Should not replace prescribed medication

Current Research and Future Outlook

Ongoing research continues to explore CBD’s potential for broader use in epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Scientists are studying how different cannabinoids and terpenes might enhance or modify CBD’s effects.

There’s also interest in developing CBD formulations with improved absorption and stability, including oral and edible forms designed for consistent dosing. However, any future treatments will still require clinical testing and medical oversight.

As research progresses, we may see more refined CBD-based medications enter clinical practice, but for now, only prescription products should be used for epilepsy management.

Key Takeaways

• CBD has been scientifically shown to reduce seizures in specific types of drug-resistant epilepsy.
• Only medically approved CBD, such as Epidyolex, is proven and regulated for this purpose.
• Over-the-counter CBD edibles are not suitable for treating epilepsy.
• Anyone considering CBD for seizures should always consult a doctor or epilepsy specialist.

Conclusion

CBD’s potential in epilepsy treatment is one of the most promising and well-researched areas in cannabinoid science. For certain severe forms of epilepsy, prescribed medical CBD can make a real difference, improving quality of life and reducing seizures.

However, while CBD edibles are popular for general wellbeing, they are not a substitute for medical care. They contain much lower doses, are not regulated as medicines, and should never replace prescribed epilepsy treatments.

For those exploring CBD as part of their epilepsy management, always do so under the guidance of a qualified medical professional. Ongoing research continues to bring hope, but safety and proper supervision remain the top priorities.