Keynote Presentation: Medical Cannabis for Children

Approximately 1 out of every 3 children with epilepsy do not respond to conventional medications, resulting in significant disruption in quality of life.  The CDC states that one in 54 children suffer with autism, a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with very few treatment options. For these patients and their families, safe and effective treatment options are a priority.  After the 2013 CNN documentary showing how CBD oil helped a child with a severe seizure disorder, interest in the use of cannabis to treat children with epilepsy and autism exploded.  In this presentation, I will discuss the scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabis for pediatric epilepsy and autism, and will share my experience treating over 1000 children with phytocannabinoids.  Benefits and risks of cannabis use in this vulnerable population, as well as dosing, product requirements, and legal issues will be discussed. I will also share "clinical pearls” and case reports from my experience treating these children.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of the endocannabinoid system in pediatric epilepsy and autism

2. Describe the scientific literature supporting the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy and autism

3. Understand the benefits, risks, product requirements and legal issues related to the use of cannabis in the pediatric population