There has been a lot of interest and attention paid to the therapeutic possibilities of a marijuana extract called cannabidiol (CBD) for epilepsy. While there are well-publicized examples of individual patients who appear to have benefitted from this treatment, there is a shortage of clinical data establishing its effectiveness and safety. Mayo Rochester does have a clinical trial of CBD for a specific form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, so that we can learn more about its therapeutic use and limitations. Mayo is open to use of any therapy that has established effectiveness and safety.

Given CBD is derived from marijuana, and marijuana is still considered a Class 1 narcotic by federal law, it is difficult to perform research on its use in epilepsy and other conditions. State laws regulate whether a physician can use CBD and other forms of medical marijuana in clinical care, and this patchwork of state-by-state variability has created a very confusing situation for patients and physicians. This link provides information from Mayo Clinic regarding this issue: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medical-marijuana/art-20137855.