Submitted by Rud Verma
29 October 2024
The first comprehensive review of evidence for the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) to treat epilepsy has been published in the UK.
Friday (November 1) marks the sixth anniversary of the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in the UK, but many children with epilepsy are still being denied access to it via the National Health Service (NHS) due to a ‘lack of evidence’.
To plug that gap, Maple Tree Consultants – co-founded by campaigner Hannah Deacon and Professor Mike Barnes, the first doctor to prescribe the medicine in the UK – has published Medical Cannabis & Epilepsy.
With more than 280 references to peer-reviewed literature, it reviews almost 100 clinical trials, real-world studies, and observational research on the role of CBMPs in epilepsy management.
Co-written by Barnes, Deacon and Varinder Kaur, it is aimed at healthcare professionals, patients, and regulators seeking a deeper understanding of the use of CBMPs, particularly in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Barnes said: “By compiling this extensive evidence, we provide a strong foundation for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medicinal products.
“As medical cannabis continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in treating epilepsy in many patients, this guide is critical for advancing its acceptance and improving access for patients who need it most.”
The publication also provides in-depth analysis of the barriers faced by patients in accessing CBMPs within the UK’s regulatory framework, highlighting gaps in NHS access, the growing reliance on private clinics, and the financial strain families encounter when seeking treatment.
Co-author, Varinder Kaur, said despite cannabis being legalised for medicinal use [in the UK] since 2018, patients are still struggling to access products via the NHS.
“Many doctors refuse to prescribe cannabis due to restrictive guidelines and concerns regarding the lack of evidence,” Kaur added.
Deacon’s son Alfie is one of the few children to have an NHS prescription for medicinal cannabis and has now been seizure free for more than four years.
She said the new publication “pulls together the comprehensive evidence healthcare professionals need to better support children and families affected by epilepsy”.
She added: “My son Alfie’s life has been completely transformed by medical cannabis — from enduring hundreds of seizures a month to living a fuller, happier life. His journey is the reason I’m so passionate about advocating for children with refractory epilepsy.
“I truly hope this publication opens doors for many more families, giving clinicians the data they need to make informed decisions and improve access to this life-changing treatment.”
