Peer-reviewed article
Efficacy and safety of medical cannabinoids in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Nir Treves, Noa Mor, Karel Allegaert, Hely Bassalov, Matitiahu Berkovitch et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether medical cannabinoids (CBD and THC) are safe and effective treatments for children. The review found that cannabidiol (CBD) reduced seizures by 50% in children with Dravet syndrome compared to placebo. However, CBD was also associated with decreased appetite, and there were reports of adverse mental health effects, though these require further research.
Key points
- Cannabidiol reduced seizure rates by 50% in Dravet syndrome (RR = 1.69)
- Cannabidiol improved caregiver global impression of change (Median difference = -1)
- CBD products without THC reduced seizure events, but mixed THC-CBD products did not (RR = 1.35)
- Higher doses of cannabidiol were associated with decreased appetite (RR = 2.40)
- Qualitative assessment suggests possible adverse mental events, requiring further research
Limitations
The review included only eight randomized controlled trials, all focused on seizure disorders, limiting generalizability to other child health conditions. Long-term safety outcomes and mental health effects require additional research with larger sample sizes.
Abstract
Despite the increased use of medical cannabinoids, the efficacy and safety of the treatment among children remain uncertain. The objective was to study the efficacy and safety of medical cannabinoids in children. The search included studies through 11-May-2020. Selection criteria included studies evaluating efficacy and safety outcomes of medical cannabinoids (tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and other cannabis derivatives) versus control in children, independently assessed by two reviewers. Eight studies were included, all of which are randomized controlled trials. Cannabidiol is associated with 50% reduction in seizures rate (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.69, 95% CI [1.20-2.36]) and caregiver global impression of change (Median Estimated difference = (- 1), 95%CI [- 1.39-(- 0.60)]) in Dravet syndrome, compared to placebo. While cannabidiol was associated with a reduction in reported seizure events (RR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.36-0.97]), no association was found in products contained also tetrahydrocannabinol (RR = 1.35, 95% CI [0.46-4.03]). Higher dose of cannabidiol was associated with decreased appetite (RR = 2.40, 95% CI [1.39-4.15]). A qualitative assessment suggests that medical cannabinoids might be associated with adverse mental events. In conclusion, cannabidiol is associated with clinical improvement in Dravet syndrome. However, cannabidiol is also associated with decreased appetite. Adverse mental events were reported as well, however, more research should be performed to assess well this outcome.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Cannabidiol (CBD) treatment
- Population
- Children with Dravet syndrome
Key finding
50% reduction in seizure rate with cannabidiol versus placebo (RR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.20-2.36])