Written by: Matthew Scott, Chief Scientist & Founder | CBD Wellness
Last reviewed: June 2025
CBD for Epilepsy & Seizures: What the Research Says
Of all the therapeutic applications of CBD, epilepsy and seizure disorders have the strongest clinical evidence — strong enough to earn FDA approval. CBD Wellness, one of the first CBD brands in the United States, breaks down what the research says and what it means for people living with epilepsy.
The Strongest Clinical Evidence for CBD
In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex — a pharmaceutical-grade CBD oral solution — for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two severe forms of childhood epilepsy. This represents the strongest clinical validation of CBD’s therapeutic potential and the first FDA approval of a cannabis-derived medication.
Key clinical findings:
- In clinical trials, Epidiolex reduced seizure frequency by approximately 40% compared to placebo in Dravet syndrome patients.
- A 2016 study in The Lancet Neurology found CBD reduced monthly motor seizures by 36.5% in treatment-resistant epilepsy patients.
- Multiple studies have demonstrated CBD’s anticonvulsant properties across various seizure types.
How CBD May Reduce Seizures
CBD’s anticonvulsant mechanisms appear to involve multiple pathways including modulation of sodium and calcium ion channels, interaction with GPR55 receptors, reduction of neuroinflammation, and enhancement of inhibitory GABA signaling.
Important Considerations for Epilepsy Patients
If you have epilepsy, consult your neurologist before using any CBD product. CBD can interact with antiepileptic medications — particularly valproate — and may affect drug metabolism. Pharmaceutical Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD product for epilepsy. Hemp-derived CBD products like those from CBD Wellness are dietary supplements, not medications, and are not intended to treat epilepsy.
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Frequently Asked Questions: CBD for Epilepsy
Is CBD FDA-approved for epilepsy?
Yes — Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical-grade CBD oral solution, was FDA-approved in 2018 for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This is the strongest clinical validation of CBD’s therapeutic potential. Hemp-derived CBD dietary supplements are not FDA-approved medications and are not intended to treat epilepsy.
Can CBD reduce seizures?
Clinical trials of Epidiolex demonstrated approximately 40% reduction in seizure frequency in Dravet syndrome patients. A 2016 Lancet Neurology study found CBD reduced monthly motor seizures by 36.5% in treatment-resistant epilepsy patients. These findings are for pharmaceutical CBD under medical supervision.
Can I use CBD Wellness products for epilepsy?
CBD Wellness products are dietary supplements, not medications, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent epilepsy or any disease. If you have epilepsy, consult your neurologist before using any CBD product. CBD can interact with antiepileptic medications and should only be used under medical supervision for epilepsy management.
How does CBD work for seizures?
CBD’s anticonvulsant mechanisms appear to involve modulation of ion channels, interaction with GPR55 receptors, reduction of neuroinflammation, and enhancement of inhibitory GABA signaling. The exact mechanisms are still being studied.
Does CBD interact with epilepsy medications?
Yes. CBD can interact with antiepileptic medications — particularly valproate — and may affect how the liver metabolizes certain drugs. Always consult your neurologist before adding any CBD product to your regimen.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CBD Wellness products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease including epilepsy. If you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, consult your neurologist before using any CBD product.