Targeted Research Initiative for Research Regarding Cannabinoids and Epilepsy (TRICE)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major component in marijuana believed to offer anticonvulsant effects in certain patient groups with epilepsy. CBD is believed to have neuroprotective effects, and limited experimental studies suggest that it may work by reducing over-excitation cause by glutamate or by improving sleep. Nonetheless, the mechanism linking CBD to these measures or other mechanisms remains non-compelling and/or insufficient. The neurological mechanism is likely complex, yet mechanistic understanding would inform CBD dosing and patient population selection.To unveil the mechanism behind CBD’s potential as an anti-epileptic, we propose to investigate major metabolic signaling pathways critical to neuronal health and survival and we will undertake a thorough investigation of CBD action on the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain. To do so we will employ various mouse models of epilepsy to assess electrophysiological changes and sleep outcomes linked to CBD use. Understanding the mechanism behind CBD’s anticonvulsant potential will inform neurologists as to the appropriate patient groups and epilepsy syndromes which would potentially be alleviated by CBD.