From the Research
Chronic marijuana use may trigger seizures in some individuals, particularly those using high-potency products or stopping use abruptly, but the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that it directly causes seizures in most people. The relationship between chronic marijuana use and seizures is complex, with some studies suggesting that marijuana can both trigger seizures and help control them in others 1. THC, the main psychoactive component in marijuana, can sometimes lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals, while CBD, another component, has anticonvulsant properties and is even used medically to treat certain seizure disorders 2.
Some key points to consider:
- Heavy, long-term users may experience withdrawal seizures when stopping marijuana suddenly, particularly if they have been using high-potency products 1.
- CBD has shown effectiveness in clinical scenarios for epilepsies, but its effects on epilepsy-related comorbidities are scarce even in basic research 2.
- Other phytocannabinoids, such as cannabigerolic acid, may have anticonvulsant properties, but their effects can be divergent and require further investigation 3.
- People with pre-existing seizure disorders should be particularly cautious with marijuana use and discuss it with their healthcare provider, as it may interact with anti-seizure medications 4.
In terms of recommendations, if you use marijuana regularly and are concerned about seizures, it's best to avoid high-THC products, not use synthetic cannabinoids, and never stop heavy use abruptly. Instead, taper down gradually under medical supervision. Additionally, people with pre-existing seizure disorders should discuss their marijuana use with their healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks.