Study of Cannabidiol Treatments

Pediatric neurologists lead investigations into CBD therapy.

Eric Segal, M.D., Pediatric Epileptologistat Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, was published in 2019 for a study which provided results to support an add-on of CBD in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome (DS). At 12 weeks, the proportions of patients with ≥50%, ≥75%, and 100% reductions in major motor seizures were 53%, 23%, and 6%; the proportions with corresponding reductions in total seizures were 46%, 26%, and 5%. Responder rates for both seizure types were consistent through 96 weeks.

Dr. Segal and team also developed a related study, published in May 2020, to assess the attitudes and knowledge about cannabis therapies among U.S. neurologists, nurses, and pharmacists. More than 80% of participants supported use and legalization of medical cannabis, especially cannabidiol (CBD) for epilepsy when prescribed by a medical provider, but 40-50% (depending on the item) felt unfamiliar with cannabinoid pharmacology and clinical applications. State cannabis access and favorable workplace policies were associated with higher knowledge and more favorable attitudes. Health care professionals saw the potential in cannabis therapies but report significant knowledge gaps. Therefore, professional cannabinoid education is needed to address growing patient and provider demand for knowledge about cannabinoid therapies.