The first cannabis-based medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is officially available in the U.S.
GW Pharmaceuticals announced Thursday its drug Epidiolex is now available for patients with two types of rare epileptic syndromes that begin in childhood.
The company's CEO said in a statement: "Because these patients have historically not responded well to available seizure medications, there has been a dire need for new therapies that aim to reduce the frequency and impact of seizures."
The FDA approved the medication back in June. The main ingredient is cannabidiol, or CBD, which doesn't cause a high.
Epidiolex is available by prescription for patients 2 years of age and older.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
