Medical marijuana for epilepsy in Ohio

The National Academies found no or insufficient evidence about cannabinoids for epilepsy in general.

One purified CBD medicine, Epidiolex, is FDA-approved for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. Products sold at dispensaries are not Epidiolex, and NIH notes the evidence is insufficient for more common forms of epilepsy.

Never stop or change seizure medicine without your neurologist.

• A neurology note naming the diagnosis
• EEG results if you have them
• Your current seizure medicines

If another doctor diagnosed you, your physician can confirm it from your records. How to get your records.

• Side effects can include dizziness, sleepiness, and dizziness on standing, which raises the risk of falls in older adults.
• Cannabis raises the risk of motor vehicle crashes. Never drive while impaired.
• Frequent use is linked to cannabis use disorder, and to psychosis in people predisposed to it.
• Smoking cannabis during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weight.
• Cannabis can interact with other medicines. Your physician reviews your medicines before recommending.

Your physician explains the risks and benefits for you before recommending, as Ohio requires.