Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists lennox-Gastaut 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 lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Drop seizures can cause sudden falls and injuries, and many people with LGS also have intellectual disability, behavior challenges and sleep problems. Treatment usually involves several anti-seizure medicines, and options can include the ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation and surgery, with the FDA-approved CBD medicine Epidiolex now a standard option.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Frequent seizures that do not respond well to other medicines
- Drop seizures that cause sudden falls and injuries
- Tonic seizures, often during sleep
- Poor or broken sleep
- Behavior challenges and irritability
Does lennox-Gastaut 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 Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- Epidiolex, a purified CBD medicine, is FDA-approved for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome based on large randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
- In those trials, people taking Epidiolex had a meaningfully larger drop in seizure frequency than people taking placebo, although seizure freedom was uncommon.
- Longer open-label follow-up studies suggest the seizure reduction can last over time, although side effects lead some people to stop.
- THC has not been shown to help LGS seizures, and studies of store-bought CBD products have found their labeled strength is often inaccurate.
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 lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Doctors typically consider prescription Epidiolex first, because its dose and purity are tightly controlled and its effects have been tested in trials.
If other cannabis products are considered, they are usually CBD-dominant with little or no THC and are chosen together with the neurologist.
Using the same lab-tested product consistently matters, since switching products can change how much CBD is actually taken.
Changes are made slowly, with a seizure diary and regular liver blood tests guiding the plan.
Risks and precautions
- CBD raises levels of the active form of clobazam, which can cause more sleepiness, so the neurologist may need to adjust clobazam.
- Taking CBD with valproate increases the risk of raised liver enzymes, so liver blood tests are usually checked.
- Never stop or lower seizure medicines on your own, because sudden changes can trigger dangerous seizures.
- Common CBD side effects include sleepiness, decreased appetite and diarrhea.
- Products with THC, or unregulated products with unknown THC content, may worsen seizures or behavior in some people.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
Neurologist notes confirming the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome diagnosis.
EEG reports and any genetic or imaging results.
A full list of current and past seizure medicines, including any experience with Epidiolex.
A seizure diary showing seizure types, frequency and injuries, plus guardian or caregiver details for a minor or dependent adult.
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 lennox-Gastaut 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.
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: 9 common questions
Does lennox-Gastaut syndrome qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists lennox-Gastaut 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 lennox-Gastaut 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 lennox-Gastaut 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.
Is Epidiolex the same as medical marijuana CBD?
No. Epidiolex is a purified, FDA-approved prescription CBD medicine with a precise, consistent dose. CBD products from dispensaries or stores are not FDA-approved, and their actual strength and THC content can vary. Talk with your neurologist about which option fits your situation.
Can CBD replace my child's other seizure medicines?
No. In the trials that led to Epidiolex's approval, it was added to other seizure medicines rather than replacing them. Never stop or lower a seizure medicine without your neurologist's guidance, because sudden changes can trigger severe seizures.
Does CBD interact with clobazam or valproate?
Yes. CBD raises levels of clobazam's active form, which can cause more sleepiness, and taking CBD with valproate increases the chance of raised liver enzymes. Your neurologist may adjust doses and order liver blood tests. Always tell every doctor involved about all CBD and cannabis products.
Does THC help Lennox-Gastaut seizures?
There is no good evidence that THC helps LGS seizures, and in some people it may make them worse. The proven benefit comes from purified CBD. If a product contains THC, discuss it with your neurologist before using it.
What side effects can CBD cause in people with LGS?
The most common side effects are sleepiness, decreased appetite, diarrhea and raised liver enzymes. Sleepiness is more likely when CBD is taken with clobazam. Keep a log of side effects and seizures and share it with your neurologist at each visit.
How long does it take to know if CBD is helping seizures?
It often takes several weeks after reaching a steady dose to judge the effect. A detailed seizure diary is the best way to compare before and after. Your neurologist can help decide whether the benefit is worth continuing.