CBD oil for Seizures and Epilepsy

Some people turn to CBD as an alternative treatment for seizures and epilepsy.

Although most of the high-quality research evidence is limited to rare, severe types of treatment-resistant epilepsy, studies suggest that CBD has antiepileptic effects.

The only problem is that choosing the right CBD oil for seizures can be difficult. You have to look for high-quality products that contain the right type and amount of CBD.

That’s why we compared dozens of brands to find the best CBD products for seizures and epilepsy.

What does science say about CBD, seizures, and epilepsy?

Rigorous clinical trials have shown that CBD can relieve epileptic seizures associated with three severe types of childhood epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC):

• In one 2017 study of children with Dravet syndrome, CBD significantly reduced seizures, with 5% of patients becoming seizure-free
• In a 2018 study of children and adults with LGS, CBD led to a significant reduction (average reduction was 43.9% fewer) in seizures
• In a 2021 study of children with TSC, CBD treatment significantly reduced seizures compared to placebo
• A 2018 review paper found that CBD-rich, whole-plant cannabis extracts were up to four times more effective at improving treatment-resistant epileptic seizures than pure CBD, and also produced fewer side effects

The evidence is so convincing that the FDA approved the pure CBD drug Epidiolex for treating these three types of epilepsy. However, more studies are needed to substantiate CBD’s efficacy in other types of seizures.

How we chose these products

We review and compare hundreds of CBD products from dozens of brands based on price, hemp quality, transparency, reputation, and other criteria.

We also consider factors relevant to seizures. For example, we only recommend high-potency products because seizures typically require high doses of CBD.

For a full explanation of how we choose products for our best lists, check out this page.

All of our content is written and reviewed by a team of medical doctors, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and other health experts knowledgeable about CBD and cannabis.

Why should you trust us?

Unlike other review sites, Leafreport uses a standardized rating system to give every CBD product and brand an unbiased rating out of 100 points.

This score is calculated by using our database, which collects third-party lab test results, prices, additional ingredients, extract types, and other data for more than 3000 products.

We also act as a CBD industry watchdog by doing our own independent investigations.

For example, we send CBD products for testing at an independent lab and publish our findings in market reports. We also collect and publish data on CBD prices to help you make an informed choice.

Our picks

Best Overall — Endoca Strong CBD Oil

Our top recommendation for seizures is the strong CBD oil from Endoca, one of the oldest and most respected brands in the world. This full spectrum tincture comes with a very high potency of 150 mg/ml.

Learn more by reading our Endoca Review.

Third party and in-house tests confirm that this CBD oil contains the advertised amount of CBD and lacks contaminants.

Endoca grows its own hemp in partnership with local farmers, whereas most companies source it from other producers.

This CBD oil contains full spectrum hemp extract, which is considered the most effective form of CBD.

Third party and our own independent tests show that Endoca’s CBD oil is rich in minor cannabinoids that work together with CBD.

Endoca’s strong CBD oil costs $0.10 per mg of CBD. Compared to other tinctures, this price is considered average.

Best Potency — CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Seizures typically require some of the highest doses of CBD out there, which means you might need an exceptionally strong product. We recommend the full spectrum CBD oil from CBDistillery, which is available in a very high potency of 167 mg/ml.

Learn more by reading our CBDistillery Review.

Third party tests verify the strength and purity of this CBD oil.

CBDistillery’s products are sourced from organic Colorado hemp. The company is also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, which means it follows strict hemp production practices.

This CBD oil contains full spectrum hemp extract, which may be more effective than pure CBD.

According to third party testing, there are many minor cannabinoids in this tincture.

With a price of $0.05 per mg of CBD, this tincture is cheaper than average.

Best Value — Lazarus Naturals CBD RSO

Our top value pick goes to Lazarus Naturals. The company’s CBD Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) provides 5000 mg of full spectrum CBD at an exceptionally low price. It also has a high potency (100 mg/ml) which is ideal for seizures.

Learn more by reading our Lazarus Naturals Review.

Third party tests verify the potency and purity of this unique CBD concentrate.

Instead of getting its hemp from other producers like most brands, Lazarus Naturals grows most of its organic hemp on a farm in central Oregon.

This RSO contains full spectrum hemp extract, which maximizes the benefits of CBD.

According to third party tests, this tincture carries multiple minor cannabinoids that add to the effects of CBD.

This RSO costs $0.03 per mg of CBD, which is much lower than most tinctures and concentrates. On top of that, Lazarus Naturals offers free shipping over $25 and a 60% discount to veterans, low-income families, and people with disabilities.

Best THC Free — Medterra Broad Spectrum Cannabinoid Tincture

If you’re sensitive to THC or have to pass drug tests for work, you’ll need to look for a THC free product. We recommend the broad spectrum cannabinoid tincture from Medterra, which carries a high 10:1 ratio of CBD to minor cannabinoids.

It has a strong potency of 67 mg/ml and comes in three flavors.

Learn more by reading our Medterra CBD Review.

According to third party testing, this tincture is free of contaminants and contains the advertised amount of CBD.

Medterra uses organic Kentucky hemp to make its products. The company is also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, which means it follows strict hemp industry standards.

This tincture is made with broad spectrum hemp extract, which is free of THC but maintains the other active components of the whole plant.

Third party tests verify that this tincture is rich in minor cannabinoids that work in synergy with CBD.

At $0.05 per mg of CBD, this product is priced lower than most broad spectrum tinctures.

Best Capsules — PlusCBD Max Strength CBD Softgels

We don’t recommend capsules as your only CBD product for seizures because they tend to have lower absorption and potency than oils.

Having said that, our top pick is the max strength softgels from PlusCBD, which carry 50 mg of full-spectrum CBD, with 30 capsules per bottle.

Learn more by reading our PlusCBD Oil Review.

Third party tests confirm the potency and purity of these capsules.

Unlike most American companies, PlusCBD sources its products from organic European hemp, which has the advantage of a long history of cultivation. PlusCBD is also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority.

These capsules contain full spectrum hemp extract, which is considered the most effective form of CBD.

Third party tests show that these capsules contain multiple minor cannabinoids which add to the effects of CBD.

These capsules cost $0.05 per mg of CBD, which is significantly cheaper than average.

Best Gummies — Five CBD Full Spectrum Gummies

Our go-to choice here is the full spectrum gummies from Five CBD. They have a high potency of 50 mg (with 5 mg of THC) and an option for 25 mg, and are made with full spectrum hemp extract.

However, similar to capsules, gummies shouldn’t be your only CBD product for seizures because they’re less effective than oils.

Learn more by reading our five CBD Review.

Third party tests verify the purity of these gummies, and they passed the test for CBD levels with results within the acceptable 10% variance.

Five CBD uses organic American hemp to make its products.

These gummies are made from full spectrum hemp extract, unlike most gummies on the market. This means they may be more effective.

Third party tests show that these gummies contain THC and multiple minor cannabinoids, which work in synergy with CBD.

These gummies cost $0.04 per mg of CBD. That’s quite low compared to most gummies on the market, especially since they’re full spectrum.

**Use caution with this product as it may cause impairment**

Best Vape Product — Funky Farms CBD Vape Juice

Vaping CBD is the best option if you want immediate effects. We recommend the 1500 mg vape juice from Florida’s Funky Farms.

This high-potency e-liquid contains full-spectrum CBD and comes in four flavors: blueberry gelato, apple jack pear, peach tangie, and mango sherbert.

Learn more by reading our Funky Farms Review.

Third-party tests verify the potency and purity of this vape juice.

The CBD used in this product comes from Oregon hemp.

This vape juice contains full-spectrum CBD, which is considered more effective than pure CBD isolate.

Third-party tests show THC and several minor cannabinoids, which work in synergy with CBD.

Funky Farms’ vape juice costs only $0.02 per mg of CBD, which is quite cheap for CBD e-liquid.

How to choose the best CBD for seizures and epilepsy

Here are some tips to help you find the best CBD product for seizures and epilepsy:

• Third party testing: Reputable brands send their products for testing at an independent lab to verify their safety and CBD content. You should only buy third party tested products.
• Consumption method: CBD can be taken in a variety of ways, each with its advantages and disadvantages. For example, capsules and gummies have lower absorption than oils, which makes them less effective.
• Type of CBD: There are three types of CBD; isolate, full spectrum, and broad spectrum. Research evidence suggests that full spectrum CBD is significantly more effective at relieving epileptic seizures than pure CBD.
• Dosage: Seizures typically require some of the highest CBD dosages out of any condition, so it’s best to look for high potency products.

Check out our detailed guide for a full explanation of how to find reputable CBD companies and choose the best products.

Safety and side effects

Research has demonstrated that CBD is a safe compound with few and minor side effects. The most common issues reported in studies include:

• Tiredness and drowsiness
• Diarrhea and nausea
• Low blood pressure and lightheadedness
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Dry mouth

CBD can also interact with prescription drugs, including anti-seizure medications. That’s why we recommend talking with your doctor before using it, especially if you’re already taking antiepileptic medicine.

Having said that, CBD’s side effects are unlikely to happen to most people because they’ve only been reported by studies using high oral doses of purified CBD.

Legality

Hemp derived CBD products (with 0.3% or less THC) are federally legal in the United States. However, a few states have more restrictive laws. Some ban CBD completely or only allow THC free products, so it’s best to research the particular state you’re curious about.