Affiliations: Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA | Department of Medicine, Alluri Sita Ramaraju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, India | Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. Madhu Jasti, Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. Tel.: +1 319 356 1851; Fax: +1 319 384 8818; E-mail: Madhu-jasti@uiowa.edu.
Abstract: Marijuana has been shown to have anti-epileptic effects in animal studies. Some animal studies suggest that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol can control seizures not responsive to other treatments. There is currently very limited scientific data to support the use of marijuana in the treatment of epilepsy in humans. Nonetheless, there is a large volume of anecdotal evidence showing clinical benefit in treating epilepsy. Despite limited evidence of efficacy, many patients with epilepsy believe marijuana is an effective therapy and are actively using it. Infact, some states in the United States of America have approved its use for epilepsy.
