Irish neurologists study the potential of cannabis for epilepsy

Irish neurologists are studying and documenting the effective uses of cannabis for epilepsy. Commissioned by the Royal College of Physicians, a group of neurologists is tasked with classifying the safe uses of medical cannabis for patients.

Study the long-term effects

Following this mission, these neurologists will be responsible for informing the medical community and patients about the available products and their reliability. Doctors are also seeking to determine whether the treatments are effective in the long term or whether patients quickly become accustomed to the cannabinoids.

Dr. Colin Doherty, spokesperson for this study group on epilepsy and medical cannabis, states: «Some products show promising results.» But he also points out that some medications are not entirely reliable at this time: »Some have not been adequately tested or could be potentially dangerous.» He acknowledges the «devastating effects of severe epilepsy on families who want to help their loved ones.» «He continues, »As a group, we are committed to caring for patients with epilepsy, but it is our duty to ensure that all treatments prove to be both beneficial and safe. This is particularly important when a new drug is used and it affects a child’s brain.”

Green Light for Epidiolex

For now, neurologists have deemed only the’Epidiolex. This medication contains 98% of cannabidiol (CBD) in liquid form and is marketed by the British giant GW Pharmaceuticals. The Irish government is reportedly already in negotiations with the pharmaceutical company.

Dr. Doherty continues, »No other cannabis derivative has been adequately studied to be classified as an effective and safe treatment.» The focus is on treatments containing THC, which, according to him, have not been properly studied in the past.

According to the Irish Times, the legal system for medical cannabis in Ireland is expected to be in place by fall 2017.