Danny Battershill says the pain from his eczema nearly drove him to suicide, and the only thing that has worked so far to stop it is cannabidiol (CBD), a medicinal cannabis product.
Morphine and steroids don't work for him, and he spent eight of the past 12 months in hospital - but he says without CBD, he was seriously considering suicide.
"I've gotten so close to just wanting to give up because it's so hard when you are in such agonising, physical pain," he told Three's The Project.
"I'm not even afraid to admit it anymore."
It is legal for a doctor to prescribe CBD to patients, but Danny can't find anyone willing to prescribe it to him.
He's still managed to access some though, which means he's technically committed a crime.
When host Kanoa Lloyd asked him if he was admitting to committing a crime on national television he wasn't quite ready to admit it.
"I'm not admitting to anything," he said.
"I'm saying I've done what's right to look after my very own wellbeing and to keep myself alive. That's my human right."
Where to find help and support:
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Watch the video for the full The Project interview.
