Minister hands back seized cannabis oil to epileptic boy
U-turn after medication confiscated at customs
The mother of a severely epileptic boy has managed to convince the Home Office to return his cannabis oil medication which was confiscated at customs.
Charlotte Caldwell said they had “achieved the impossible” after Home Sec re tary Saji dJ avid announced yesterday he would grant a licence for 12-year-old Billy to get the treatment.
The Government, however, only relented after a six-day battle which began when officials seized a sixmonth supply of cannabis oil Charlotte brought into Heathrow Airport from Toronto, Canada. She criticised the “dreadful, horrific, cruel experience” that has deeply affected Billy, saying: “His little body has been completely broken and his little mind.”
She called for “more humane policies”, while vowing to fight for others in the UK to have access to the medication they need.
“No other family should have to go through this sort of ordeal, travelling half way round the world to get medication which should be freely available,” she said.
Mr Javid said he has used “an exceptional power” to “urgently issue” a licence to treat Billy with cannabis oil. “This is a very complex situation, but our immediate priority is making sure Billy receives the most effective treatment possible in a safe way,” he added.
The medication was making its way to London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where Billy is being treated.
The U- turn has been welcomed by mum Caroline Burns, 34, from Cumber nauld, Nor th Lanarkshire, who has been taking cannabis oil as a last resort after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Her most recent brain scan showed the tumour has been reduced by 26% since she started using cannabis oil.
She said: “This is a huge step forward. My heart was breaking for him and his mum.
“Let common sense prevail and give medicinal cannabis to people fighting for their lives.”