Arm yourself with facts & don’t take no for an answer

CHARLOTTE Caldwell reveals her “Mummies’ Guide” for families hoping to access medicinal cannabis for their loved ones.

She said: “If you feel like your child could benefit from medicinal cannabis, you may have to go a few rounds with your child’s doctor because right now UK doctors have not been training in or researching medicine.

“Arm yourself with easily accessible information.

1. Store the following information on your mobile phone.

The link to the Government’s guidelines on applying for a medicinal cannabis licence is www. gov.uk/government/publications/ cannabis-based-medicines-expertreview-panel/cannabis-andcannabis-based-medicinalproducts

Home Office phone number: 0300 123 2253

The list of all anti-epileptic medications your child has experienced.

The link to the clinician’s form to apply for a medical cannabis licence : www.gov.uk/government/ publications/application-form-forthe-expert-advisory-panel

2. Make an urgent appointment today with your clinician. They are your access to the application.

3. Be confident. You are your child’s best advocate. Think positive, keep a positive mind and push for a positive outcome.

Name the anti-epileptic medicines your child has used, describe the detrimental side-effects.

4. How to handle potential objections from the doctor.

Doctor: ‘I don’t know anything about medical cannabis.’

You: ‘It’s now legal in the UK and it’s your duty to look up the clinical evidence in the US and Canada and give my child a chance of a better quality of life.’

Doctor: “I haven’t heard about the Government’s guidelines.”

Text the GP the Government link.

Doctor: “The guidelines are confusing.” Give the doctor the Home Office contact details.

Doctor: “I don’t want to take the risk or responsibility of prescribing medicinal cannabis.”

You: “Guidance is available at the British Paediatric Neurology Association on 01204 526002 or their website www.bpna.org.uk and British Paediatric Epileptic Group at www.bpna.org.uk.”

Doctor: “There are more pharmaceutical medicines to try.”

You: List your child’s past and present medications and effects.

Doctor: “Your child is too young to be put on medicinal cannabis.”

You: “My child is too young to be pumped with all these pharmaceuticals.”