Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

UK Launches Clinical Trials on Cannabis-Based Medicines for Childhood Epilepsy Amidst Design Concerns

- Two NHS clinical trials will investigate cannabis-based medicines for severe epilepsy in children and adults, focusing on early-onset and genetic generalized epilepsies. - The trials will randomize patients to CBD, CBD/THC combination, or placebo to assess safety and efficacy in reducing seizures and improving quality of life. - Experts raise concerns about an eight-week washout period and the use of CBD and THC isolates instead of full-spectrum products, questioning the trial's design and potential impact. - Patient advocates emphasize the need for personalized medicine approaches and express frustration over limited NHS access to cannabis-based medicines for epilepsy.