Effective Control of Epilepsy Using Medical Marijuana
In the January issue of APM News we reported, in Clearing the Smoke, how increasing use of medical marijuana (MM) presents C-L psychiatrists with opportunities and dilemmas in equal measure. In this issue we focus on the effective control of epilepsy using medical marijuana in an interview with Davin Quinn, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico.
Davin Quinn, MD
“Great Need” for More Study of Risks and Side-Effects
Could you briefly explain the medical effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in reducing epileptic seizures?
The mechanisms of action of cannabinoids are complex and not yet well-characterized.1 Endocannabinoid receptors (CB) are expressed throughout the brain and immune system. In general, the CB1 receptor modulates neuronal excitability by opening K+ channels and blocking Ca2+ channels. CB2 receptors are involved in immune regulation. However, CBD possesses a low affinity for CB receptors, and thus its anti-epileptic properties likely depend on other mechanisms.2 Much work remains to be done to understand the effectiveness of CBD in epilepsy.