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FDA Has Approved First Cannabis-Derived Drug

Epidiolex from GW Research Ltd. Has been approved for two rare forms of epilepsy. In the FDA’s eyes, cannabidiol (CBD) now has an accepted medical use.

Epidiolex from GW Research Ltd. Has been approved for two rare forms of epilepsy. In the FDA’s eyes, cannabidiol (CBD) now has an accepted medical use.
Epidiolex from GW Research Ltd. Has been approved for two rare forms of epilepsy. In the FDA’s eyes, cannabidiol (CBD) now has an accepted medical use.

Top Takeaways

  • The first cannabidiol-based drug has been approved for two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.

  • FDA will continue to support research on potential medical uses of marijuana-derived products.

  • The DEA has 90 days to reschedule CBD from its current schedule 1 status.


Today, the FDA granted approval of Epidiolex to GW Research Ltd.The cannabidiol (CBD)-based oral solution is intended for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome—two severe forms of epilepsy—in patients two years of age and older.

Today’s approval marks the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified drug substance derived from marijuana.

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