The Utility of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy

Cannabis-derived cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) have anticonvulsant properties. Recently, there has been an emerging interest in the use of CBD-enriched products for treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. Some pilot trials of CBD have proved beneficial for refractory epilepsy, but its efficacy is yet to be confirmed by standard placebo-controlled trials. However, the mechanisms underlying the seizure protection efficacy claims of CBD remain unclear. This review briefly describes the clinical utility of CBD in the treatment of refractory epilepsy.