Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy and Seizures in Washington State

Epilepsy and seizure disorders are among the qualifying conditions with the strongest scientific evidence supporting cannabis — specifically CBD. Washington State recognizes seizure disorders as a qualifying condition, and thousands of Washington residents with epilepsy have accessed medical cannabis through the state program.

Does epilepsy qualify for Washington medical marijuana?

Yes. Washington's medical cannabis statute (RCW 69.51A) explicitly lists seizure disorders as a qualifying condition. This includes:

• Epilepsy (all types: focal, generalized, absence, tonic-clonic)
• Treatment-resistant epilepsy (including Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)
• Non-epileptic seizure disorders
• Seizure-related conditions that cause chronic impairment

The evidence for cannabidiol (CBD) in epilepsy

CBD for epilepsy is among the most thoroughly studied medical cannabis applications. In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex — a pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil — for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, making it the first plant-derived cannabis compound approved as a prescription drug.

Key clinical findings:

• Dravet syndrome — in the landmark New England Journal of Medicine trial, CBD reduced seizure frequency by 39% compared to 13% for placebo
• Lennox-Gastaut — multiple trials show significant reduction in drop seizures with CBD treatment
• Other epilepsies — real-world observational studies show meaningful seizure reduction in a broad range of epilepsy types, though evidence is strongest for pediatric treatment-resistant cases

THC's role in seizures is more complex. For some patients, low-dose THC combined with CBD is beneficial; for others, THC can lower the seizure threshold. A knowledgeable provider can help navigate this.

What patients and caregivers should know

• CBD-dominant products are the primary tool for seizure control — high-THC products are generally not recommended for seizure disorders without careful titration
• Drug interactions — CBD inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2C19 and CYP3A4), which can raise blood levels of some anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), including clobazam, valproate, and carbamazepine. Your Green Wellness provider will flag interactions with your current AED regimen
• Washington minor patients — for patients under 18, a parent or legal guardian must attend the evaluation and co-sign the authorization form
• Consistency matters — CBD works better when used consistently at regular intervals rather than as-needed dosing

Getting your authorization

Bringing documentation of your epilepsy diagnosis (a letter from your neurologist or epileptologist, EEG results, or a medication list showing current AEDs) is helpful but not required. Your Green Wellness provider will review your seizure history, current medications, and what CBD-based products are likely to be appropriate for your situation.

Same-day appointments are available at all four Green Wellness locations. Telehealth is available for renewals.

Book your epilepsy evaluation — $175 →