Marijuana use in intractable epilepsy

Abstract

Background: In Canada, marijuana is legal for those with seizures. We determined the prevalence of marijuana use in intractable epilepsy patients and assessed the perceived effects. Methods: Information about marijuana use was collected over 12 months from consecutive adult patients admitted to an 8 bed Epilepsy Monitoring Unit using a 27 item self-administered questionnaire. Patients unable to understand and give consent for participation were excluded. Results: 215 of 310 patients median age 36 (interquartile range 27-49) years, 57% female had proven epilepsy. Median duration of seizures was 12 years (interquartile range 5-24) occurring daily or weekly in 47%. 37% of patients used marijuana over the previous year, 85% by smoking and 56% on a daily basis. Mean dose was 1 gm/day. Another 19% had used it previously. Use of cigarettes was 27%, alcohol, 40% and street drugs 2%. Seizure improvement was perceived by 91%, decreased stress by 99%, improved sleep by 98% and reduction in antiepileptic drug side effects by 88%. Minor adverse effects of marijuana occurred in 13% including seizures worse in 3%. Conclusions: Patients investigated for intractable epilepsy use marijuana more than the general population and perceive improved seizure control, lower stress, better sleep and reduced side effects from antiseizure drugs.