A measurable benefit in epilepsy
Cannabinoid medicines can provide clinical benefits in particular conditions. Epidyolex, a cannabidiol medicine authorised throughout the EU since September 2019, is an add-on treatment for Lennox–Gastaut and Dravet syndromes with clobazam, and for tuberous sclerosis complex alongside other epilepsy treatments, from age two. The European Medicines Agency summarises five studies involving more than 900 patients in which adding the medicine reduced seizure frequency over 14–16 weeks.
What a reduction means in practice
In the tuberous sclerosis complex study summarised by EMA, seizure numbers fell by 49% in the evaluated Epidyolex group compared with 27% in the placebo group. The comparison matters because both groups continued their other epilepsy treatment. The measured benefit was fewer seizures over the study period, not the disappearance of the underlying condition. This evidence applies to the pharmaceutical preparation and studied indications, not to every retail CBD product.
Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
Spain’s official Sativex product information identifies another specific use: symptom improvement in adults with moderate-to-severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis who have not responded adequately to other antispastic medicines and show meaningful improvement during an initial treatment trial. Sativex contains THC and CBD and is administered as an oromucosal spray. Its role is symptom management added to an existing treatment plan.
Why benefit includes follow-up
A useful treatment must have an acceptable balance between improvement and adverse effects. EMA lists sleepiness, diarrhoea and reduced appetite among common Epidyolex effects, and liver monitoring is part of managing its risk. Sativex can cause dizziness and affect balance. Spain’s 2025 framework for standardised cannabis preparations similarly places prescribing, pharmacy services and follow-up within healthcare. A club’s social role is different: companionship or member participation is not the clinical supervision used to evaluate these medicines.
[1] EMA: Epidyolex[2] AEMPS: Sativex product information[3] BOE: Royal Decree 903/2025
Sources & further reading
General information, not individual legal or medical advice.