Pediatric epilepsy represents a major challenge, both for the children concerned and for their families. Seizures can be unpredictable and sometimes severe, and their management relies mainly on anti-epileptic treatments prescribed by the neurologist. However, despite medical advances, some children still present with so-called drug-resistant forms of the disease, meaning they are difficult to control with available drugs.
Faced with this reality, many parents are wondering about complementary solutions that can help improve their child's quality of life. Among them, cannabidiol (CBD), a molecule derived from hemp, is attracting the attention of the scientific community and the general public.
Essential clarification: CBD is not a medicine (except in its pharmaceutical form, Epidiolex). Its use should only be considered as a complement to medical care, and never as an alternative to conventional treatments.
In this article, we take a look at :
what we know aboutpediatric epilepsy,
scientific studies conducted with cannabidiol,
the necessary precautions,
and the role of Full Spectrum CBD oils as a complementary approach.
For a comprehensive overview of the subject, you can also consult our pillar page: CBD and epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that affects adults and children alike. In the latter, certain forms appear in early childhood and can have a major impact on their development, schooling and daily life.
Among the most studied forms are :
Dravet syndrome: a rare but severe form, often starting before the age of 1. Seizures can be long, frequent and drug-resistant.
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: characterized by multiple seizures and impaired cognitive function, it generally appears between the ages of 3 and 5.
Other drug-resistant epilepsies: many children have refractory seizures, despite optimized medical treatment.
These pathologies represent a real medical challenge, as they require constant monitoring and regular treatment adjustments.
Beyond the seizures themselves, pediatric epilepsy often leads to :
chronic fatigue due to medication and seizures,
sleep disorders,
learning and concentration difficulties,
a major emotional burden for parents, faced with uncertainty and daily stress.
It is in this complex context that CBD has attracted research interest, notably for its potential to modulate neuronal activity and its generally well-tolerated profile in clinical trials.
Over the past decade, cannabidiol (CBD) has been the subject of growing scientific interest, particularly in the field oftreatment-resistant pediatric epilepsy. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychotropic effect, making it a safer molecule for use in fragile populations such as children.
Researchers were therefore interested in its action on the central nervous system and the possible results when integrated, as a complement, to existing treatments.
The first solid data come from trials involving children with severe epilepsy syndromes such as Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut. These pathologies are particularly difficult to treat, as they are often resistant to conventional drugs.
In these clinical trials, the addition of CBD, as a complement to standard treatments, enabled some children to reduce the frequency and intensity of their seizures. Although the results were not uniform for all patients, these observations marked a major advance in research.
Another important point is CBD tolerance. On the whole, studies show that it is relatively well tolerated by children, although side effects (fatigue, digestive problems, drowsiness) can occur and require careful medical monitoring.
These results led to the development of a drug: Epidiolex. This is an oral solution containing cannabidiol that has been purified, standardized and produced to pharmaceutical standards.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex in 2018 for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes.
In Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has also approved its use in these indications.
The arrival of Epidiolex represents official recognition of CBD's therapeutic potential within a strict medical framework. However, it is a prescription drug, which can only be prescribed after consulting a specialist neurologist.
It's essential to distinguish between themedical use of CBD via a drug like Epidiolex and thewellness use of oils available in stores.
Epidiolex is a purified cannabidiol, with no other cannabinoids, manufactured according to extremely strict pharmaceutical protocols. Its dosage and use are controlled by a doctor.
Full Spectrum CBD oils, on the other hand, contain the full range of hemp compounds: CBD, other cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, CBN...), terpenes and flavonoids. They are not medicines, but wellness supplements.
This difference is fundamental: whereas Epidiolex relies on an isolated molecule, Full Spectrum oils rely on theentourage effect, i.e. the synergy of the plant's various components. This explains why some families choose to explore Full Spectrum oils, even if scientific evidence specific to these extracts is still limited.
While some studies have confirmed the value of CBD in pediatric epilepsy, its use in children must be approached with the utmost caution. Cannabidiol is not harmless: it interacts with complex biological mechanisms and can influence the efficacy of prescribed treatments.
For families interested in this approach, there are several points to bear in mind.
Any approach to integrating CBD must be supervised by a pediatric neurologist or medical specialist.
The role of the healthcare professional is to verify the compatibility of CBD with current treatment, but also to monitor the evolution of seizures, possible side effects and overall tolerance.
Without this follow-up, there is a risk of unbalancing the child's medical care, which could have serious consequences.
In other words, it is unthinkable to introduce CBD to a child with epilepsy without close medical supervision.
CBD can affect liver enzymes (notably the CYP450 system), which are involved in the metabolism of many drugs. In some children, this can alter the way the body breaks down anti-epileptic drugs.
As a result, the drug either becomes less effective, or its side effects are amplified.
This is why clinical trials with Epidiolex have always been conducted in parallel with very strict medical monitoring, with regular blood tests.
So, even though the Full Spectrum CBD oils sold in stores are not medicines, they should be regarded with the same level of caution whenever they concern an epileptic child.
For both adults and children, the rule is the same: start low and gradually increase.
Clinical studies use precise, often high doses of purified cannabidiol, which are not comparable to the oils available in stores.
For a Full Spectrum oil, we recommend starting with a very low dose, then adjusting under medical supervision.
Every child reacts differently: some may show good tolerance, while others may quickly develop undesirable effects (fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite).
Medical follow-up is therefore essential to determine the right dose, adapted to the child's profile and treatment.
Epilepsy in children remains a complex pathology, requiring careful, personalized medical management. Research into cannabidiol (CBD ) has opened up new avenues of hope, in particular with the arrival ofEpidiolex, a purified CBD-based medication validated for certain severe forms such as Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
However, it is essential to remember that the use of CBD in Full Spectrum oil sold in stores does not have the same vocation: it is not a medicine, but a wellness supplement which can, in certain cases and under medical supervision, be part of a global approach aimed at improving the quality of life of the families concerned.
The appeal of Full Spectrum lies in its natural richness in cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, which act synergistically according to the principle of theentourage effect. This more complete approach to hemp may represent an interesting avenue for those wishing to explore a gentle, natural form of support, while respecting the legal framework and necessary medical supervision.
At Nobilis Product, we have chosen to offer premium Full Spectrum CBD oils, produced with French know-how and guaranteed by independent laboratory analysis. Traceability, purity and conformity are at the heart of our commitment, so that families can move forward with greater peace of mind and confidence.
👉 To find out more about our Full Spectrum oils and discover our quality commitments, you can view our selection of Full Spectrum CBD oils.
Discover our Full Spectrum 10% CBD oil from hemp grown in France, without additives or GMOs. Its richness in cannabinoids and terpenes guarantees an optimal surrounding effect for deep relaxation and natural well-being. Practical 10 ml bottle with pipette for precise dosage.
Our Full Spectrum 10% CBD oil is :
🇫🇷 Manufactured from A to Z (from hemp extraction to bottling) in our French laboratory.
🧪 Made with CBD crude to provide all the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes.
✅ Analyzed by an independent laboratory for each batch to guarantee quality.
Our Full Spectrum 20% CBD oil is a concentrate of nature and French know-how. Derived from hemp grown without GMOs or additives, it contains twice the concentration of cannabidiol as our 10% formula, while retaining all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids naturally present in the plant.
Thanks to theenhanced entourage effect, this oil promotes a deeper action on stress, body tension and sleep quality.
Its 10 ml format with pipette allows precise, easy dosing, even at high concentrations.
This oil is :
🇫🇷 Produced in our French laboratory, from hemp extraction to bottling, with full traceability
🌿 Réalisée à partir de crude de CBD, pour conserver toute la richesse moléculaire du chanvre : CBD, CBG, CBN, THC < 0,3 %, flavonoïdes, terpènes
✅ Analyzed with every batch by an independent laboratory, to guarantee consistent, uncompromising quality
Discover our Full Spectrum 30% CBD oil, made from hemp grown in France according to the principles of sustainable agriculture, without GMOs or additives. Thanks to its high concentration of cannabidiol and active compounds, it's a powerful, targeted formula, designed to support the most demanding needs in terms of stress, pain or recovery.
Riche en CBD, CBG, CBN et THC (< 0,3 %), cette huile favorise un effet d’entourage profond, garant d’une efficacité maximale sur le long terme. Flacon de 10ml.
Our Full Spectrum 30% CBD oil is :
🇫🇷 Formulated and packaged in our French laboratory, from extraction to bottling, for complete quality control.
🌿 Obtained from a highly concentrated CBD crude, guaranteeing exceptional richness in cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes.
🧪 Tested by an independent laboratory with every batch, to guarantee irreproachable purity, with no undesirable residues.