Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists dravet syndrome by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding dravet syndrome
Children with Dravet syndrome have frequent, often prolonged seizures that can be triggered by fever, heat or excitement, and most also face developmental, behavior, movement and sleep challenges. Care is led by an epilepsy specialist and includes several seizure medicines, rescue plans for long seizures, and therapy and school supports.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Frequent convulsive seizures
- Prolonged seizures that need rescue medicine
- Seizures triggered by fever or overheating
- Poor sleep and night-time seizures
- Behavior challenges and hyperactivity
- Side effects from multiple seizure medicines
Does dravet syndrome qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriDoctor's discretion
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Stronger evidence. The FDA approved a prescription CBD medicine (Epidiolex) for seizures in Dravet syndrome after controlled trials.
- The FDA approved Epidiolex, a purified CBD medicine, in 2018 for seizures in Dravet syndrome, based on randomized placebo-controlled trials.
- In those trials, children taking CBD had a larger drop in convulsive seizures than those on placebo, with a median reduction of roughly 40 percent.
- Most children in the trials continued their other seizure medicines, and few became completely seizure-free.
- Evidence for other cannabis products, including those with more THC, is much weaker, and store-bought CBD products often contain different amounts than their labels say.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach dravet syndrome
The best-studied option is prescription Epidiolex, an oral liquid that is managed by your child's neurologist alongside other seizure medicines.
Some families also ask about state program products, but doctors usually recommend lab-tested, consistent CBD-dominant oils if any are used.
Doses are increased gradually with regular follow-up, rather than changed often.
Seizure diaries and routine blood tests help the care team judge benefit and watch for side effects.
Risks and precautions
- CBD can raise levels of clobazam and its active breakdown product, which can cause extra sleepiness, and doses may need adjusting.
- Taking CBD with valproate increases the risk of raised liver enzymes, so liver blood tests are needed.
- Never stop or reduce seizure medicines without your neurologist, as this can trigger dangerous prolonged seizures.
- THC may make seizures worse in some people, and non-prescription products can vary widely in content.
- Common side effects include sleepiness, reduced appetite and diarrhea, so track them in your diary.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Genetic test results showing an SCN1A change, if available, and a neurologist's diagnosis letter.
EEG reports and recent epilepsy clinic notes.
A complete list of current and past seizure medicines, with doses and side effects.
A seizure diary showing seizure types, frequency, length and rescue medicine use.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for dravet syndrome
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
Dravet syndrome: 9 common questions
Does dravet syndrome qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists dravet syndrome by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list dravet syndrome as a qualifying condition?
None list it by name. It can still be certified in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more, where providers decide. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for dravet syndrome online?
Yes, in 11 of those states — including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 3 others, such as Alaska, Colorado and Florida, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
What is Epidiolex and how is it different from other CBD products?
Epidiolex is a prescription CBD medicine that the FDA approved after controlled trials in Dravet syndrome. It is made to strict standards, so each dose is consistent. Over-the-counter and dispensary CBD products are not FDA-approved, and their contents can differ from the label.
Can CBD interact with my child's seizure medicines?
Yes, CBD can raise levels of clobazam, which may cause more sleepiness, and it can increase liver enzyme problems when taken with valproate. Interactions with other drugs, such as stiripentol, are also possible. Your neurologist may adjust doses and order regular blood tests.
Can CBD replace my child's other seizure medications?
No, in the trials CBD was added to existing medicines, not used instead of them. Stopping seizure medicines suddenly can cause severe, prolonged seizures. Any changes should be made slowly with your neurologist.
Does THC help or hurt seizures in Dravet syndrome?
Research on THC in Dravet syndrome is limited. THC may worsen seizures in some people and has more effects on the developing brain. Most specialists prefer CBD-dominant treatment and avoid high-THC products.
How long does CBD take to work for Dravet seizures?
In clinical trials, doses were increased over a couple of weeks and benefit was measured over several months. Some families notice changes sooner, while others need more time or see no benefit. Keep a detailed seizure diary to review with your neurologist.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common are sleepiness, lower appetite, diarrhea and changes in liver tests. Some children also have rashes or infections. Report new or worsening symptoms to your child's care team promptly.