Can Cannabis Help w/ Epilepsy? What the Science (and Real Lives) Say

Epilepsy doesn’t just affect the brain - it affects everyday life.

From managing unexpected seizures to making tough decisions about work, travel, and even driving, people with epilepsy often live with uncertainty. For many, the search for solutions goes far beyond traditional prescriptions. That’s where cannabis, especially CBD, has entered the conversation in a powerful way.

But can cannabis actually help manage epilepsy?

Let’s talk about it — not just in theory, but in real life.

A Story That Changed the Game: Charlotte Figi & Epilepsy

If you have ever wondered why CBD became so popular in the United States, a lot of the credit goes to a little girl named Charlotte Figi.

Charlotte was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that caused her to have up to 300 grand mal seizures a week. For those reading this blog who may not be familiar with how physically taxing a grand mal seizure can be, let’s paint a picture.

A grand mal seizure is a sudden and intense electrical disruption in the brain that causes a person to lose consciousness and experience full-body convulsions. It often begins with the body stiffening, followed by powerful, uncontrolled muscle movements that can last for several minutes. Breathing may become irregular, and the person may bite their tongue or lose control of their bladder. Afterward, they’re left exhausted, disoriented, and sometimes in pain. It’s a frightening, physically taxing experience—not just for the person seizing, but for their loved ones as well. This is a powerful reminder of how serious and unpredictable epilepsy can be.

So considering that one grand mal seizure involves such intense trauma and recovery, imagine enduring 300 of them over the course of a single week. Charlotte was wheelchair-bound, required a feeding tube, and often experienced cardiac arrest as a result of her condition.

To make matters even more heartbreaking, her seizures were resistant to nearly every medication doctors recommended. Her family tried everything they could, until her mother discovered cannabis.

In 2012, Charlotte’s parents began giving her a cannabis oil made from a strain rich in CBD and extremely low in THC. The results were nothing short of miraculous: her seizures dropped from hundreds a week to just a few per month. Her quality of life transformed. She could eat, sleep, talk, and play—things that were once impossible.

Charlotte’s story captured national attention and ignited a movement. Her case helped pave the way for Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved cannabis-derived medication, formulated with purified CBD. Today, Epidiolex is prescribed to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.

Charlotte’s journey didn’t just change her life—it reshaped public opinion, jumpstarted cannabis research, and gave hope to thousands of families searching for relief.

What Does Research Say?

Charlotte’s case wasn’t just a one-time miracle. It was the tip of the iceberg.

Here’s what science is telling us now:

FDA Approval of Epidiolex

In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex, a cannabis-derived medication for treating specific types of epilepsy.

In clinical trials, patients saw a 39–44% reduction in seizure frequency, depending on the condition.

CBD May Work When Other Meds Don’t

In people with treatment-resistant epilepsy, CBD has shown promising results.

A 2017 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that children with Dravet syndrome taking CBD had significantly fewer convulsive seizures than those taking a placebo.

THC and Full-Spectrum Options

While CBD is the primary cannabinoid used for epilepsy, some researchers are exploring whether small amounts of THC or other cannabinoids might enhance results through the entourage effect.

However, THC can also trigger seizures in some people, which is why personalized treatment and professional guidance are key.

But What About Driving?

If someone with epilepsy is exploring cannabis for relief, safety remains top of mind — especially behind the wheel. That’s why we recommend reading this helpful guide on driving with epilepsy, which covers everything from seizure risks to legal considerations.

Cannabis may reduce the frequency or intensity of seizures, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive immediately after consumption. Balancing seizure control with daily safety takes time, honesty, and often a team-based approach with doctors, caregivers, and loved ones.

What This Means for You

If you or someone you love is living with epilepsy, cannabis might feel like a hopeful option — and it can be. But it’s not a cure or a one-size-fits-all solution.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Start with education. Learn about CBD, THC, and their effects on the brain.

• Talk to your doctor. Especially if you're on anti-seizure meds — cannabis can interact with some prescriptions.

• Look for quality. Full-spectrum, lab-tested cannabis products are essential.

• Track your results. Keep a journal of symptoms, dosage, and effects over time.

A Final Word

Cannabis won’t stop every seizure. But for many, it’s a lifeline — not just for the body, but for hope, control, and dignity.

At Healthy Harvest CBD, we’re proud to be part of a movement that takes natural wellness seriously. Whether you’re exploring CBD for the first time or looking to support someone navigating epilepsy, we’re here to provide high-quality cannabis products, reliable education, and a supportive community.