Adjunctive Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials Across Syndromes, Formulations, and Dose Ranges

Abstract Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a promising adjunctive therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy, yet clinical findings remain heterogeneous across trials. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and formulation-dependent performance of CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsies. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, including randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of adjunctive CBD in drug-resistant epilepsy. Literature was sourced from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Data