Epilepsy affects an estimated 600,000 people in the United Kingdom, making it one of the most common serious neurological conditions. For approximately 30% of patients, seizures remain uncontrolled despite optimal antiepileptic drug therapy — a condition known as treatment-resistant or refractory epilepsy.
Licensed Cannabis-Based Medicine for Epilepsy
The UK is among a small number of countries with a nationally licensed cannabis-based medicine for epilepsy. Epidyolex (pharmaceutical-grade CBD, 100mg/ml oral solution) received MHRA approval for:
- Dravet syndrome — a rare, severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome — characterised by multiple seizure types and cognitive impairment
- Tuberous sclerosis complex — where seizures are associated with benign tumour growth
Epidyolex is NHS-funded for these specific indications under NICE technology appraisal TA614 and TA615.
Broader Cannabis Treatment for Refractory Epilepsy
Beyond Epidyolex, unlicensed cannabis-based medicines containing both CBD and THC are prescribed by specialist neurologists for adults with treatment-resistant epilepsy where licensed options have failed. Clinical evidence — including real-world data from the UK CBPM registry — demonstrates meaningful seizure frequency reductions in a subset of refractory patients.
Accessing Treatment
A GMC-registered neurologist or paediatrician (for childhood epilepsy) must prescribe cannabis-based medicines. For adults, self-referral to a cannabis specialist clinic is permitted. The prescribing specialist will review your full seizure history, current antiepileptic medications, and previous treatment responses before determining suitability.