Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy

Access, Safety, and Support for Individuals Living with Epilepsy

⚠️ Please note: Medical cannabis is not appropriate for everyone. Always speak with your neurologist or epilepsy specialist before starting treatment.

Introduction

What is Medical Cannabis?Who May Benefit?
Medical cannabis includes CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) products used to manage health conditions.– Individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy – Frequent or disabling seizures – Diagnosed syndromes such as Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut
CBD-rich oils may help reduce seizure frequency for some people with epilepsy.– Those who have tried at least two anti-seizure medications without success
What It IsWho It’s For
Medical cannabis includes cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), used under medical supervision.Medical cannabis may be an option for people with drug-resistant epilepsy—meaning seizures persist despite trying at least two medications.
In epilepsy care, the focus is on CBD-rich oil, which is non-intoxicating and does not produce a “high.”It may be considered if seizures are frequent, severe, or significantly impact quality of life.
CBD oil has the most evidence supporting its use in epilepsy, especially for syndromes like Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut.It is sometimes used in children but must be monitored closely by a neurologist.

Access in British Columbia

Eligibility & ProcessHow to Access It
– Must be 19 years or older and a BC resident – Diagnosis must be confirmed by a neurologist– Obtain a prescription (medical authorization) – Register with a Health Canada–licensed producer
– A prescription is required from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner– There is no medical cannabis card in BC—access is through a licensed producer after authorization

Types of Medical Cannabis Products

Product TypeDescription & Relevance to Epilepsy
CBD OilMost commonly prescribed. High in cannabidiol (CBD), with little or no THC. This oil is non-intoxicating and used orally.
CBD:THC Balanced OilContains a low ratio of THC to CBD (e.g., 20:1). Sometimes used cautiously in adults with physician oversight.
THC-Dominant ProductsProducts high in THC are not recommended for epilepsy treatment and may worsen seizures in some individuals.
Dried Cannabis FlowerTypically inhaled and not appropriate for epilepsy management. Not prescribed for children or seizure control.

Research, Evidence & Safety

What the Research ShowsRisks & Monitoring
– About 50% of patients using CBD-rich oil report a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency.– Seizure tracking is essential to determine effectiveness.
– Benefits often appear within 3 to 4 months, though longer trials may be needed.– Bloodwork may be needed to monitor liver enzymes, especially when using other medications like valproate.
– Clinical studies use CBD:THC ratios of 12:1 to 50:1, depending on the individual.– Close supervision is critical to catch potential seizure worsening (~5% of cases) and avoid drug interactions.
– Some individuals may not respond or may experience intolerable side effects.– Interaction with medications such as clobazam can cause excessive sedation and must be adjusted by a doctor.

Costs in British Columbia

ProductTypical Cost
CBD Oil~$0.10–$0.20 per mg of CBD Average monthly cost: $50–$200
Balanced (CBD:THC) OilSimilar to CBD-only oils, depending on THC content
Dried Flower$5–$15 per gram (not generally recommended for epilepsy)
CoverageNot covered by BC PharmaCare Some private health plans may reimburse in part

🩺 Treatment Pathway: Step-by-Step

StageDetails
1. ConsultationSpeak with your neurologist to discuss seizure control and previous medication trials.
2. AssessmentDetermine whether cannabis is a safe and appropriate option based on your medical history and current treatment.
3. PrescriptionIf appropriate, your provider will issue a medical cannabis authorization.
4. Register with Licensed ProducerChoose a Health Canada–approved provider and create an account to order products.
5. Start Low, Go SlowBegin with a low dose of CBD oil. Dosage is slowly increased under medical guidance.
6. Ongoing MonitoringRegular follow-ups are required to monitor seizure activity, medication tolerance, and lab results if needed.

Local Resources & Support

Helpful ContactsHow ESEBC Can Help
– HealthLink BC (8-1-1): Speak with a nurse 24/7– Help preparing for doctor appointments – Information on cannabis therapy – Support navigating access
– Health Canada: Find licensed producers at canada.ca/cannabis– Contact us at info@esebc.ca
 

Supporting Links