# Cannabidiol as a New Treatment for Rare Forms of Epilepsy > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-for-epilepsy-treatment-rare-forms/ > **Published:** 2022-12-13T19:26:40-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:16:23-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabidiol for epilepsy treatment as a promising option for rare epileptic syndromes with seizure reduction benefits and safety profile. --- *New research shows that cannabidiol (CBD) can treat therapy refractory epileptic encephalopathies.* Epilepsy is a chronic neurologic disorder characterized by a predisposition to seizures, with a prevalence of [8.5 per 1,000 people in the United States](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25921003/). It is the fourth most common neurological condition after migraines, stroke, and [Alzheimer’s disease](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-alzheimer-treatment-research-2025/). The Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are two forms of severe epileptic syndromes. Seizures in affected individuals usually occur combined generalized and focal simultaneously. These specific epileptic conditions are typically refractory to therapy, and their pediatric-onset and high mortality constitute a substantial and devastating impact on the lives of patients and their families. Table of Contents - [CBD Could Be Safe for Managing Epileptic Syndromes](#CBD_Could_Be_Safe_for_Managing_Epileptic_Syndromes) - [CBD Shown to Reduce Seizures](#CBD_Shown_to_Reduce_Seizures) - [CBD as a Therapy Option](#CBD_as_a_Therapy_Option) - [Considering CBD for Epilepsy?](#Considering_CBD_for_Epilepsy)[Related](#Related) ## CBD Could Be Safe for Managing Epileptic Syndromes A recent [review of clinical trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30616356/) concluded that cannabidiol could be a safe and effective treatment for managing these epileptic syndromes. Traditional therapy options include antiepileptic drugs or invasive medical interventions such as vagal nerve stimulation and surgery. Treatment failure is common and leaves patients, families, and clinicians desperate for alternatives. Pure, pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol exhibits clinically significant antiseizure properties, with a hypothesized multimodal [mechanism of action](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-thc-ratios-brain-injury-neuroprotection-clinical-analysis/). In addition, cannabidiol lacks intoxicating properties while showing potent pharmacological properties, making it an attractive alternative for treatment. ## CBD Shown to Reduce Seizures One of the pivotal trials, the “GWPCARE 1,” was a prospective, multicenter, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing cannabidiol effects in a cohort of 61 patients. The primary outcome was the convulsive seizure frequency change. Data from the additional “GWPCARE” trials suggest that cannabidiol has good efficacy in reducing the frequencies of seizures in both the Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome by up to 23% compared to a control arm based on standard antiepileptic drugs therapy combined with a placebo. The most frequently observed adverse treatment effects are primarily gastrointestinal-related, including diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and drowsiness. This work shows a significant reduction of seizures with cannabidiol as an adjunct to standard antiepileptic therapies in patients with rare epileptic disorders. ## CBD as a Therapy Option The addition of cannabidiol to the armamentarium of therapy options is innovative. It allows for better control of epileptic seizures and comorbidities in a space where pharmacotherapy is frequently insufficient at managing multiple, refractory seizure types. While these results are optimistic, future work must be performed to confirm the postulated multimodal action for more than ten potential targeted sides. ## Considering CBD for Epilepsy? Visit our [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) clinic and learn more about how cannabis might help you with epileptic syndromes. The CED Clinic was created for those who want to be seen as a person, not just a patient. Dr. Caplan and his team are dedicated to working with you to manage epilepsy and empower you about your [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) choices. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Real-world effectiveness of highly purified cannabidiol in epilepsy associated with 15q11.2-q13.1 duplication and deletion syndromes: A multicenter study.](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-treatment-genetic-epilepsy-syndromes-study-results/) This study explores the real-world effectiveness of purified cannabidiol in treating genetic epilepsy syndromes, providing valuable clinical insights. [Read Study](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-treatment-genetic-epilepsy-syndromes-study-results/) [Cannabinoid Clinical Trials: Evidence-Based Pediatric Care](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-use-pediatric-epilepsy-clinical-trials/) An overview of cannabinoid [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) focusing on pediatric care, highlighting safety and efficacy in managing [neurological conditions](https://cedclinic.com/multiple-sclerosis-spasticity-cannabis-ms-symptom-management/). [Explore Trials](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-use-pediatric-epilepsy-clinical-trials/) [Cannabidiol Fragile X Trial Fails to Meet Primary Endpoint – Hemp Gazette](https://cedclinic.com/topic-legalization-info/) A clinical analysis discussing the outcomes of cannabidiol trials in Fragile X syndrome, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/topic-legalization-info/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cannabidiol%20as%20a%20New%20Treatment%20for%20Rare%20Forms%20of%20Epilepsy&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabidiol-for-epilepsy-treatment-rare-forms%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabidiol-for-epilepsy-treatment-rare-forms%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Cannabidiol%20as%20a%20New%20Treatment%20for%20Rare%20Forms%20of%20Epilepsy%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabidiol-for-epilepsy-treatment-rare-forms%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).