UK lets epileptic 12yo boy use cannabis oil

  • 17/06/2018

The UK government has changed its tune over a case involving the use of cannabis oil.

On Saturday (local time), Home Secretary Sajid Javid agreed to urgently issue a license to let 12-year-old Billy Caldwell be treated with the oil.

Mr Javid said this decision was based on advice from senior doctors who told him that Billy, who was rushed to hospital overnight, is in dire need of the substance.

Billy is epileptic, and his mother Charlotte Caldwell says cannabis oil is the only thing that can prevent his life-threatening seizures.

The substance is banned in the UK, and authorities had seized it from Ms Caldwell when she tried to bring it into the country on Monday (local time).

Being without it meant Billy suffered two severe seizures overnight and was hospitalised as a result.

Ms Caldwell says this is a wake-up call for the country.

"Today this was about Billy, but from tomorrow this is about the thousands of other children and families in our country.

"In the 21st century we need to have more humane policy not panic measures. I hope the government reflects upon what has happened and what they've put our family through these last few days and bring forward emergency legislation so every other child in this country can avail of it urgently."

Cannabis oil is available in New Zealand, but many products require ministerial approval. 

APTN / Newshub.