Cannabis for Epilepsy: Long-Term Success Explained

November 12, 2025

About author

Clark Harrison

Medical cannabis, especially CBD, is offering new hope for people with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in the UK. Traditional anti-seizure medications often fail to control seizures for about 30% of epilepsy patients, leaving them with limited options. CBD-based treatments have shown promise in reducing seizures, improving quality of life, and offering relief from side effects linked to conventional drugs.

Key points:

Epilepsy affects 600,000 people in the UK, with one-third experiencing drug-resistant epilepsy.
CBD has been shown to reduce seizures by 36.5%–88% in various studies.
UK regulations allow specialists to prescribe CBD-based treatments, such as Epidyolex, for severe epilepsy cases.
Clinics like Elios Clinics provide private access to medical cannabis, offering consultations, personalised plans, and next-day medication delivery.

Medical cannabis is helping patients achieve better seizure control, independence, and overall well-being, especially when other treatments have failed. However, long-term use requires careful monitoring to manage side effects and ensure safety.

Epilepsy and Problems with Standard Treatment

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a long-term neurological condition marked by repeated, unprovoked seizures caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain. It can affect individuals of all ages, making it one of the most widespread neurological disorders globally. The causes vary widely – ranging from genetic predispositions and brain injuries to infections, strokes, and developmental conditions. However, in many cases, the exact cause remains unclear. Seizures can manifest in different ways, from convulsions and loss of consciousness to sudden muscle stiffness or jerking movements. Some people may experience a warning sensation, or aura, before a seizure, while others have no advance notice.

Living with epilepsy often goes beyond just managing seizures. It can significantly disrupt daily life, with restrictions on driving, challenges in the workplace, and limitations on social activities. The unpredictable nature of seizures can lead to constant anxiety, an increased risk of injury, and issues such as depression and social isolation. These challenges highlight the gaps in standard treatment approaches.

Problems with Standard Treatments

While epilepsy diagnosis is well-established, managing the condition often presents significant hurdles. In the UK, the NHS primarily relies on anti-seizure medications (ASMs) such as sodium valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. Other options include surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, and ketogenic diets.

Despite these interventions, there are clear limitations. Around 30% of epilepsy patients develop treatment-resistant epilepsy – also called refractory epilepsy – where seizures persist despite trying multiple medications. For patients who have already tried three different ASMs, the chance of achieving seizure freedom drops dramatically to just 1%. This lack of effective control increases risks of injury, lowers quality of life, and raises mortality rates, while also creating ongoing challenges in employment and social settings.

Beyond limited effectiveness for some, ASMs come with a host of side effects. Fatigue, dizziness, digestive issues, mood swings, and abnormal liver function are common. Certain medications can lead to allergic reactions, significant weight gain, or bone health problems that require close monitoring. Cognitive side effects, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and reduced mental clarity, are particularly concerning for children and young adults, as these can hinder education and career growth. Managing these treatments is often complex, involving multiple medications, intricate dosing schedules, and the potential for drug interactions, all of which can complicate daily routines.

The challenges are even more pronounced in severe epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, where seizures and developmental delays often persist despite optimal care. These cases highlight the limitations of conventional treatments. Increasingly, UK neurologists and epilepsy specialists are advocating for personalised approaches, regular monitoring, and exploring additional therapies for treatment-resistant cases. This growing recognition of the shortcomings of standard treatments is driving interest in alternative options, including medical cannabis.

Cannabidiol and Epilepsy: An FDA Approved Therapy

Medical Cannabis Treatment for Epilepsy

Medical cannabis provides an alternative for patients who don’t respond to traditional treatments. CBD, a key compound in medical cannabis, has been shown to reduce seizures without causing intoxication. Unlike many standard anti-seizure medications, which may come with significant side effects or lose effectiveness over time, medical cannabis offers a different way to manage seizures. Treatments typically involve CBD-based products, sometimes combined with low doses of THC.

Research Evidence for Medical Cannabis

Clinical trials and systematic reviews consistently highlight CBD’s ability to reduce seizures in cases of drug-resistant epilepsy, including severe forms like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The impact of CBD varies depending on the type of seizures and individual patient factors. For example:

Studies report a 54%–88% median reduction in focal seizure frequency over periods of up to 144 weeks.
For motor seizures, children and young adults with treatment-resistant epilepsy experienced a 36.5% median reduction in monthly seizures.
Among parents surveyed, 85% noted fewer seizures in their children, with 14% reporting complete seizure freedom.

Long-term studies also show that 54% of patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in seizures. Many patients can reduce or even stop taking other anti-seizure medications, which helps minimise side effects. However, it’s worth noting that increasing CBD doses doesn’t always improve results and may lead to more adverse effects.

UK Regulations and Guidelines

Encouraged by these findings, UK guidelines now support medical cannabis as an option for specific cases. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends cannabis-based medicines for rare and severe epilepsy forms, typically when conventional treatments have failed. Currently, Epidyolex is the only licensed cannabis-based medicine for epilepsy in the UK. It is approved for treating Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes in patients aged two and above. Epidyolex benefits from strict manufacturing standards, strong safety data, and clear prescribing protocols. In contrast, unlicensed cannabis-based medicines are prescribed individually and lack the same regulatory oversight.

Accessing medical cannabis treatment in the UK requires proof that standard treatments have been ineffective. Patients need a confirmed diagnosis showing resistance to conventional therapies. Specialist clinics, such as Elios Clinics, provide eligibility assessments, consultations with GMC-approved doctors, and full support throughout the treatment process. Importantly, patients don’t need a GP referral to access these services. As regulations evolve alongside new research, the current framework prioritises patient safety through specialist care, regular monitoring, and careful selection of candidates.

Patient Success Stories and Treatment Results

For individuals who haven’t responded well to conventional treatments, these success stories highlight the potential of cannabis-based therapies. In the UK, evidence suggests that medical cannabis not only reduces seizure frequency but also significantly improves quality of life.

UK Patient Case Studies

Between January 2018 and February 2023, a UK study followed 19 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy – 15 children and 4 adults. The results were promising: a median of 245 days without seizures, with five patients enjoying continuous seizure freedom for at least a year. Remarkably, three patients were able to stop taking all other anti-seizure medications entirely. Most participants used a combination of CBD and THC oils, hinting at the potential benefits of the "entourage effect", where multiple cannabis compounds work together to enhance therapeutic results. Side effects were mild and manageable through dose adjustments.

In another study at NYU Langone, children and young adults with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy saw a median 36.5% reduction in monthly motor seizures after using prescription CBD over a year. Two patients achieved complete seizure freedom within the first 12 weeks of observation.

Long-term follow-up studies, lasting up to 144 weeks, revealed enduring benefits. Over half (54%) of participants achieved at least a 50% reduction in seizures, 33% saw reductions of 75% or more, and 2% experienced total seizure freedom.

Real-world surveys further support these findings. Among parents, 85% reported a decrease in their children’s seizure frequency, and 14% noted complete seizure freedom. Australian data also showed high effectiveness rates: 71% for children and 89.5% for adults. These results highlight the importance of expert guidance and close monitoring to maximise benefits and manage risks. Beyond the numbers, these outcomes translate to meaningful daily life improvements.

Quality of Life Improvements

The impact of these treatments goes far beyond seizure control. Over 80% of parents observed better sleep quality in their children using CBD-enriched cannabis. Improved sleep not only lowers the risk of seizures but also enhances daytime functioning.

Patients and caregivers have reported noticeable improvements in alertness, cognitive abilities, and overall behaviour. Many have seen advancements in language, communication, and motor skills. These changes may partly result from reduced reliance on sedating anti-seizure medications.

Additionally, better mood and reduced anxiety have had a ripple effect, improving family relationships and fostering greater independence for patients. Lower anxiety levels have enabled individuals to engage more fully in social activities, education, and even work. Caregivers, in turn, report feeling less stressed. Enhanced motor function has also contributed to greater autonomy in daily life.

These quality-of-life improvements demonstrate that effective epilepsy treatment is about much more than reducing seizures. By addressing broader aspects of well-being, these therapies provide a more holistic benefit to patients and their families.

Getting Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy in the UK

Navigating the process of accessing medical cannabis for epilepsy in the UK can feel daunting, but there are clear pathways available. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, private clinics often provide a quicker alternative to the NHS route.

Eligibility and Referral Process

To qualify for medical cannabis treatment, patients must have tried at least two conventional anti-seizure medications without achieving sufficient seizure control. This ensures cannabis-based treatments are considered only after standard options have been exhausted.

A thorough medical history is essential for the assessment process. This includes a confirmed epilepsy diagnosis, treatment records, and results from tests like EEG or MRI scans. Keeping a detailed seizure diary can also strengthen your case, as it provides concrete evidence of seizure patterns and severity.

The NHS pathway, though available, is highly restrictive. Prescriptions are rare and mainly reserved for severe paediatric cases, such as children with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. To pursue this route, you’ll need a GP referral to a specialist neurologist. If standard treatments have failed, the neurologist may recommend medical cannabis. However, strict criteria and limited funding make this option difficult for most patients.

For those seeking faster access, private clinics offer a more flexible alternative. Unlike the NHS, private clinics often allow self-referrals and schedule appointments within days, bypassing the lengthy waiting times typically associated with NHS care.

NHS Pathway	Private Clinic Pathway
Rare and highly limited	Widely accessible for eligible patients
Requires NHS specialist referral	Self-referral or GP referral possible
Free for patients	Costs £150–£250 monthly for medication
Long waiting lists	Appointments often available within days
Focused on severe paediatric cases	Open to adults and children with drug-resistant epilepsy

Cost is an important factor to consider. Private prescriptions typically range from £150 to £250 per month, depending on the dosage and product type. Initial consultations cost between £100 and £250, while follow-up appointments are priced at £50–£150. Since medical cannabis is usually not covered by private insurance, patients should be prepared for out-of-pocket expenses.

If you’re exploring private treatment, Elios Clinics provides a streamlined process designed to make access easier.

How Elios Clinics Helps

Elios Clinics simplifies the process of obtaining medical cannabis for epilepsy, offering a patient-centred approach tailored to individual needs. The clinic specialises in neurological conditions and eliminates many of the hurdles often encountered elsewhere.

The journey starts with a free eligibility assessment, which can be completed online. This initial step determines whether you qualify for treatment based on your medical history and previous treatments. Notably, no GP referral is required, removing a common barrier for many patients.

"To qualify for our services, patients must have a diagnosed physical or mental health condition that has not responded to conventional treatments." – Elios Clinics

Once eligibility is confirmed, you can book a video consultation with a GMC-approved medical cannabis expert. These consultations are conducted online, making them accessible no matter where you live. During the session, the doctor will review your medical history, current symptoms, and past treatments to design a personalised treatment plan.

When it comes to medication, Elios Clinics tailors recommendations to each patient. Doctors often prescribe CBD oils or CBD-THC combinations, which have shown promise in managing epilepsy symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD) products, sometimes combined with small amounts of THC, are the most commonly prescribed options.

One of the clinic’s standout features is next-day medication delivery. Once your treatment plan is approved, the prescribed medication is dispatched directly to your home or local pharmacy, ensuring you can start your treatment without unnecessary delays.

Elios Clinics also provides ongoing support throughout the treatment process. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor your progress, assess side effects, and adjust dosages as needed. These follow-ups are available remotely, making it easy to stay on track with your care plan.

For long-term treatment, the clinic offers flexible subscription models. A 12-month plan costs £20 per month and includes an initial consultation, four follow-up appointments, and monthly prescriptions. Alternatively, you can opt for a quarterly subscription at £60 per quarter or pay £50 per session on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Patient education is another key focus. Elios Clinics ensures you’re well-informed about how to use cannabis effectively, track your symptoms, and identify potential side effects. This emphasis on education empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment.

While no GP referral is required, Elios Clinics works collaboratively with other healthcare providers. Their clinicians can coordinate with your GP or other specialists to ensure continuity of care, keeping everyone involved in your treatment up to date with your progress.

Safety and Monitoring for Extended Use

Using medical cannabis to manage epilepsy over the long term requires close and consistent oversight. While cannabis-based treatments, particularly those involving cannabidiol (CBD), have shown promise, extended use demands careful monitoring to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Safety Profile and Side Effects

CBD, a key component in medical cannabis, comes with a range of potential side effects that need to be considered before starting treatment. Commonly reported issues include drowsiness, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes (ALT or AST). These side effects are often more noticeable early in treatment, with many patients finding that symptoms ease as their bodies adjust. Around half of patients report adverse effects, most frequently drowsiness, appetite loss, and fatigue.

Long-term use of CBD does raise some safety concerns. While it can help reduce the dosage of other medications, studies have shown that CBD users face a higher rate of adverse events compared to those taking a placebo. Notably, increasing the CBD dose doesn’t always lead to better results and can, in fact, heighten the risk of side effects. Systematic reviews have found that over twice as many CBD users experience adverse events compared to placebo groups – 9.7% reported side effects of any severity, and 2.4% discontinued treatment due to issues like severe diarrhoea, drowsiness, or elevated liver enzymes.

Many of these side effects can be managed through dose adjustments. For instance, reducing the dose of a related medication like clobazam often alleviates drowsiness. Research shows no major differences in safety or effectiveness across age groups or epilepsy types. However, higher doses of CBD and the use of multiple anti-seizure drugs increase the likelihood of adverse effects. This highlights the importance of continuous monitoring to balance the benefits of treatment with patient safety.

Monitoring and Follow-Up Care

Given the potential side effects, structured monitoring is essential for successful long-term treatment. Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to track progress, manage side effects, and adjust doses as needed. Liver function tests (ALT/AST) are a key part of this process and should be conducted at the start of treatment, after any dose changes, and periodically throughout the course of care, especially for patients on other medications processed by the liver. During the initial stages of treatment or when side effects arise, monthly reviews are recommended, transitioning to reviews every 3–6 months once the treatment stabilises.

Patient education is another critical component. Patients and caregivers should be taught to recognise and report side effects promptly, enabling healthcare providers to intervene early and prevent complications. This proactive approach helps maintain the quality of life improvements many patients experience with medical cannabis.

Elios Clinics provides an excellent example of how ongoing care can be managed effectively. Their GMC-approved doctors use a structured approach to treatment, offering regular follow-ups to assess progress, adjust doses, and address any safety concerns. By working closely with general practitioners and other specialists, they ensure a seamless and collaborative care experience for patients.

Real-world evidence supports the value of proper monitoring protocols. For instance, a recent case series found that medical cannabis helped patients with drug-resistant epilepsy achieve significant reductions in seizure frequency or even complete seizure freedom. Side effects were effectively managed through dose adjustments and regular follow-ups. One patient in the study experienced drowsiness early in treatment, which improved after reducing the dose of a secondary anti-seizure medication. On average, patients spent about half of their treatment duration seizure-free, with some maintaining continuous seizure freedom for over a year. These findings highlight that, with careful oversight and personalised care, long-term medical cannabis treatment can provide lasting benefits while keeping side effects manageable.

Conclusion: Medical Cannabis Future in Epilepsy Care

Medical cannabis is reshaping the approach to treating drug-resistant epilepsy, offering many patients sustained seizure control and a better quality of life. When traditional treatments fail, this alternative has shown a profound ability to make a difference.

Beyond reducing seizures, the benefits extend to daily life. Patients often report improved sleep, sharper cognitive functions, and the potential to reduce or even stop other anti-seizure medications that can come with challenging side effects. For many, this means regaining a sense of normalcy and independence, which can be life-changing for both patients and their families.

The future of medical cannabis in epilepsy care relies on solid clinical evidence and patient-centred support. Long-term studies continue to highlight its effectiveness in achieving significant seizure reductions when carefully managed. Specialist clinics play a key role here, offering consultations approved by the GMC, personalised treatment plans, and structured follow-ups to ensure safety and effectiveness throughout the treatment journey.

As research advances and guidelines adapt, access to medical cannabis in the UK is gradually expanding under strict safety regulations. With the support of dedicated clinics providing comprehensive care, medical cannabis is on track to become a valuable tool in managing epilepsy.

The key to its success lies in maintaining rigorous standards – from initial assessments to ongoing monitoring. This ensures that medical cannabis not only improves lives but does so safely and responsibly, guided by the latest evidence and best practices.

FAQs

How does medical cannabis compare to traditional anti-seizure medications for managing drug-resistant epilepsy?

Medical cannabis is emerging as a potential option for treating drug-resistant epilepsy, especially in cases where standard anti-seizure medications have fallen short. Studies indicate that compounds like CBD (cannabidiol) might help lower the frequency and intensity of seizures in some individuals.

Although conventional anti-seizure drugs are typically the first choice, they can sometimes lead to unpleasant side effects or fail to provide sufficient relief. For certain patients, medical cannabis could present a more manageable alternative, with fewer reported side effects in some instances. That said, the effectiveness and suitability of this treatment can differ from person to person. It’s crucial to consult a qualified healthcare professional to explore the best treatment plan tailored to your condition.

How can I access medical cannabis treatment for epilepsy in the UK?

To begin medical cannabis treatment for epilepsy at Elios Clinics, your journey starts with an initial consultation. During this session, a GMC-approved doctor will carefully assess your medical history and symptoms. If you meet the criteria – such as having a diagnosed condition that hasn’t improved with standard treatments – you’ll be provided with a tailored treatment plan.

If approved, your prescribed medication will be delivered straight to your doorstep, offering a convenient and hassle-free process designed with patients in mind.

What are the possible long-term side effects of using CBD for epilepsy, and how can they be managed?

The prolonged use of CBD for managing epilepsy is typically regarded as safe, though some people might encounter side effects. These may include fatigue, changes in appetite, diarrhoea, or potential interactions with other medications. Fortunately, such effects are usually mild and manageable.

To prioritise safety throughout treatment, it’s crucial to collaborate with a healthcare professional who can oversee your progress. Regular check-ups, customised treatment plans, and careful dosage adjustments can help reduce risks and improve results. Clinics such as Elios Clinics offer personalised care to meet these needs, ensuring that treatment remains both effective and safe.