What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Epilepsy, CBD.

Where was this research published?

Published in Epilepsy research on May 5, 2026.

CBD and ketogenic diet combined show promise for drug-resistant epilepsy

Q: What did this research study find?

This study examined how **58 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy** responded to combining *cannabidiol* (CBD) treatment with *ketogenic diet therapy* (KDT). The research tracked participants from infancy through adulthood, with most receiving prescription CBD (Epidiolex™), followed for an average

Concurrent use of ketogenic diet therapy and cannabidiol in children and adults with epilepsy: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Epilepsy research • May 5, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This study examined how 58 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy responded to combining cannabidiol (CBD) treatment with ketogenic diet therapy (KDT). The research tracked participants from infancy through adulthood, with most receiving prescription CBD (Epidiolex™), followed for an average of 17.4 months. The results showed meaningful seizure control, with 40% experiencing at least 50% seizure reduction at the 1-month mark, declining to 28% at 3 months, suggesting that the combination approach provides comparable effectiveness to either treatment alone.

One notable finding was that patients who started CBD before beginning the ketogenic diet saw better outcomes, indicating the order of treatment matters. The combination therapy appeared safe overall, with only 5 participants (15%) showing minor increases in liver function tests. The study also revealed that younger patients were more likely to stick with the classic ketogenic diet and maintain weight stability, while most participants achieved strong urinary ketosis levels (87% showed moderate to large ketosis).

The research suggests that combining CBD and KDT is a worthwhile consideration for epilepsy patients, particularly as an add-on option when one treatment isn't sufficient alone. This dual-approach strategy offers promise for individuals with treatment-resistant epilepsy, though healthcare providers should monitor liver function and consider starting CBD before introducing the dietary intervention for optimal results.

📄 Original Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Ketogenic Diet Therapy (KDT) are evidence-based treatments for pharmacoresistant epilepsy with growing popularity in recent years. Even though CBD and KDT are used for many of the same indications, there is only limited research that characterizes the interactions between these two treatments. We conducted a retrospective chart review of subjects who were treated for epilepsy with CBD and KDT at our institutions. Fifty-eight participants (median age 2 years at combination therapy initiation (range 0-60)) were identified who received combined CBD and KDT between 2018 and 2025. The average duration of combination therapy was 17.4 months. Forty-four (76%) of the participants received prescription CBD (Epidiolex™) and 14 (24%) received artisanal CBD; 35 (60%) were on the classic ketogenic diet. Thirty-three (57%) received CBD before starting KDT. At 1 and 3 months, 40% and 28% had > 50% seizure reduction, respectively. Overall, 87% reported moderate-large urinary ketosis, and for those who added CBD to KDT, 8/13 had no change in ketosis. Five (15%) with documented liver function tests before and during the combination had increased values, mostly minor. Younger patients were more likely to start the classic KD, be treated with prescription cannabidiol, and not lose weight. There was greater seizure reduction when CBD was initiated before KDT rather than after. Overall, the results of this study show similar efficacy of the combination therapy in treating epilepsy compared to either CBD or KDT alone, but suggests it is worth considering as an additive option, especially when KDT is added to CBD.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Epilepsy research
Published: May 5, 2026
PMID: 42102520
DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2026.107815

Authors (5)

Lauren M Hinkley The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
Mackenzie C Cervenka The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
Stacey K Bessone The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 501 6th Ave S, St., Petersburg, FL 33701, United States.
Zahava Turner The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
Eric H Kossoff The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States. Electronic address: ekossoff@jhmi.edu.