On 14th October UK medical cannabis specialists, Maple Tree Consultants, have published a resource on the use of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs) for epilepsy treatment. Its title is Medical Cannabis & Epilepsy. The guide provides the first extensive review of evidence for clinicians, patients, and regulators, with a focus on drug-resistant epilepsy.
Leading specialists including Hannah Deacon, Varinder Kaur, and Professor Mike Barnes are co-authors of the publication. With more than 280 peer-reviewed references, it includes information from almost 100 clinical trials, real-world investigations, and observational research. This thorough analysis of CBMPs’ function in epilepsy provides useful guidance for medical practitioners navigating the rapidly evolving field of cannabis-based therapies.
Key highlights of the guide
The guide provides many important insights into the application of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs) in the management of epilepsy. It starts with a thorough description of epilepsy, including its different forms, causes, and symptoms. awareness the complexity of the illness and how cannabis-based medicines can aid in its management requires an awareness of these fundamental concepts.
The investigation of how cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), change neural networks in order to decrease seizure activity, is a major area of concentration for this guide. The guide provides insight into the underlying science and therapeutic potential of medical cannabis in the treatment of epilepsy by looking at the mechanisms of action of these components.
One especially important section looks into the use of THC in paediatric epilepsy. The book examines data that suggests THC may be a good alternative for kids with severe epilepsy, despite its contentious nature. It also discusses the treatment’s efficacy and safety.
The possibility of pharmacological interactions between CBMPs and conventional epilepsy drugs is another important topic discussed. When choosing the optimum course of treatment, professionals must take this into account because combining therapies may affect both efficacy and safety.
Finally, the handbook emphasizes how real-world data — especially patient-reported outcomes — is becoming increasingly important in determining how best to treat epilepsy. These empirical observations supplement clinical trial data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of CBMP performance in practice and helping in the improvement of patient treatment strategies.
Promoting mproved access
Professor Mike Barnes, co-founder of Maple Tree Consultants, highlighted the value of this guide for clinicians:
By compiling evidence from nearly 100 studies, we provide a strong foundation for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about cannabis-based medicinal products. The advancement of medical cannabis as a respectable epilepsy treatment choice, particularly for individuals with drug-resistant forms, depends on this publication.”
The guide additionally discusses the challenges that face epilepsy patients in the UK, especially with regard to access to medical cannabis. Even after medical cannabis legalization in 2018 for medical purposes, access is still not fully possible, especially through the National Health Service (NHS). Families suffer financially when many patients have no choice to seek care at private clinics.
Personal perspectives
Co-author and Maple Tree Consultants co-founder Hannah Deacon offered a personal perspective on the topic. Alfie, her son, had hundreds of seizures every month prior to starting medical cannabis medication. “Medical cannabis has changed Alfie’s life. By providing physicians with the information they need to recommend this game-changing treatment, I hope that this guide can benefit a great deal more families.”
Another co-author, Varinder Kaur, highlighted the obstacles that exist in the healthcare system.
“Despite cannabis being legalised for medicinal use, NHS guidelines remain restrictive, and many doctors are hesitant to prescribe it due to concerns over the lack of evidence. Our guide aims to bridge this gap by offering a thorough review of both preclinical and clinical data.”
Moving forward
The second book in Maple Tree‘s Medical Cannabis Evidence Base series is titled Medical Cannabis & Epilepsy. It is a critical step in facilitating patients’ access to cannabis-based therapy for epilepsy. It seems likely that the publication’s in-depth research will make it a priceless resource for healthcare professionals, assisting them in making wise decisions and improving patient care.
The guide is accessible through the Maple Tree Consultants website and is available in print and PDF format. With any luck, this important tool can reduce the stigma associated with medical cannabis and promote wider acceptance and accessibility to CBMPs for the treatment of epilepsy across the United Kingdom.