CANNABIS OIL ‘OK’

JOY Billy & mum Charlotte DOCTORS will be able to prescribe cannabis products as early as next month.

Cannabis oil had to be granted by a medical panel and given only in exceptional circumstances.

But from November 1 patients suffering from epilepsy, nausea and chronic pain due to chemotherapy will be able to get it from GPs. The announcement today fulfils a pledge made by Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

He acted following an outcry over 13-year-old epileptic Billy Caldwell, who was close to death this year after the Home Office seized his medicinal cannabis.

The department later issued a special temporary licence – and launched a review. Epileptic Alfie Dingley was also granted a special licence. His mother Hannah Deacon said: “Today is momentous. As a family we were facing his death. Now we are facing his life.”

Billy’s mum Charlotte Caldwell said she was crying tears of joy. She added: “This isn’t about Billy and me, it’s about a nation.”

Genevieve Edwards, director of external affairs at the MS Society, described the change as a “landmark moment” that could affect up to 10,000 sufferers.

Mr Javid said: “This brings these products explicitly into existing medicines framework.”

The Government also revealed the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will conduct a longer-term review of cannabis. Tell us what you think: yourvoice@mirror.co.uk