Australians with epilepsy turn to medical cannabis

Australia legalized medical cannabis in February 2016. Since then, it has been used, in particular, by people with epilepsy.

A study published by the University of Sydney shows that 14 % of epilepsy patients are now turning to cannabis. According to this study, 90 % adults and 71% children report a decrease in the frequency of seizures. This study, conducted on 976 people, examines the use of medical cannabis among patients, the reasons for its use, and the improvements they have experienced. The results are based on patient reports.

The fact that side effects are less severe than with conventional treatments is believed to be one of the main reasons why people with epilepsy turn to medical cannabis. The method of administration, for example, using CBD oils, is also simpler.

Anastasia Suraeve, a co-author of the study, says: «Despite the limitations of a questionnaire in terms of credibility, In this regard, we cannot ignore these statements »from children and adults reporting an improvement in their condition following the use of medical cannabis."

However, she laments the lack of field research: »We urgently need to better understand the role of cannabinoids in epilepsy.» This is an indirect criticism of the current government. In fact, the studies on cannabis conducted by the University of Sydney were funded by private individuals. A couple of philanthropists donated 33.7 million Australian dollars (24 million euros) to the research division to launch studies on medical cannabis. It was a gesture of generosity and compassion, as they hoped to find a treatment for their little girl epileptic.

Mexico also approves

On the other side of the Pacific, a test Mexican clinic conducted on 39 patients with Lennox Gastaut also points to an improvement in quality of life. This study, conducted by HempsMeds Mexico using pure CBD oil, reports a significant reduction in seizures. Of the 39 participants, 33 saw their number of seizures cut in half, and for 21 of them, the number of seizures was reduced by 75%. Seven of these 39 participants experienced a complete cessation of seizures. HempsMeds would like to compete Epidiolex from GW Pharmaceuticals.