FDA Approves First Cannabis-Based Drug for Treating Epileptic Seizures

The FDA approved Epidiolex (cannabidiol) for treating seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, marking the country’s first agency approval of a cannabis-based drug.

Epidiolex is also the first FDA approved drug for treating patients with Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic condition that typically appears during the first year of life and causes prolonged and frequent seizures, as well as developmental issues in the patient.

“This approval serves as a reminder that advancing sound development programs that properly evaluate active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to important medical therapies,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.