FDA Approves First Marijuana-Based Prescription Drug

The FDA approved the first marijuana-based prescription drug in the country. Epidiolex is a drug derived from Cannabidiol (CBD) and is used to treat seizures in children and adults with two severe forms of epilepsy, both of which typically develop during childhood. CBD is different than THC, which is the element of cannabis that gives recreational marijuana smokers the feeling of being “high". And health brands have zeroed in on CBD as an effective way to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and reduce anxiety. Epidiolex is essentially medical-grade CBD oil—a highly concentrated, consistent, and regulated version of the more holistic stuff. Neurologists admit that they still aren't sure how CBD oil works, but Steven Wolf, M.D., director of pediatric epilepsy at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, says he thinks CBD likely triggers a reaction in the brain that either blocks certain neurotransmissions or stabilizes neurons, which is the aim of all anti-seizure meds. Dr. Wolf emphasized that CBD isn't a cure-all, and the new drug didn't stop seizures in every patient studied in its clinical trials, but he's optimistic that its availability within mainstream medicine will open doors for the future of epilepsy treatments and other seizure-related conditions. GW Pharmaceuticals, the drug company behind the breakthrough, will be announcing a public release date for Epidiolex, which hopefully includes cost information, in the next few months. Analysts predict a staggering price tag of about $25,000 a year, but cost aside, the approval sends a strong message from the FDA about the place of medical marijuana, CBD, or other derivatives in the future of medicine.