Efficacy and safety of paediatric medicinal cannabis use: A scoping review

Introduction The use of medicinal cannabis in the paediatric age group is increasing despite the lack of evidence for its efficacy or safety. Objective To map the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis in children and adolescents. Methods We conducted a scoping review and searched six electronic databases and grey literature. A study was eligible for inclusion when it investigated the efficacy or safety of medicinal cannabis for any condition, more than half of the participants were 0 to 18 years old, and had any study design except single case reports. Results We included 36 studies in our final analysis, 32 of which investigated the efficacy or safety of cannabis in treatment-resistant epilepsy. The remaining 4 studies examined patients with cancer, dysautonomia, Epidermolysis Bullosa, and motor disorders. Conclusions There is a lack of evidence on the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis in most paediatric conditions.

Automated summary

There is a lack of evidence on the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis in most paediatric conditions, with only a few studies focusing on treatment-resistant epilepsy and a few other conditions in children and adolescents.