Mother’s joy as medicinal cannabis law is overturned

MEDICINAL cannabis is to be made available on prescription for the first time after Sajid Javid said cases involving children such as Billy Caldwell had made him re-think Government policy.

The Home Secretary said cannabisderived products that meet safety and quality standards will be reclassified within weeks so they can be prescribed without the need for a licence.

Billy’s mother Charlotte, who led the campaign to legalise medicinal cannabis, said she was “almost lost for words” and that for Billy, 13 yesterday, it was the best birthday present ever.

Mr Javid said: “Recent cases involving sick children made it clear to me that our position on cannabis-related medicinal products was unsatisfactory.

“Following advice from two sets of independent advisers, I have taken the decision to reschedule cannabisderived medicinal products, meaning they will be available on prescription.”

Mr Javid stressed that the decision was “in no way” a step toward legalising cannabis for recreational use.

Billy Caldwell ended up in hospital when his medicinal cannabis oil, used for his severe epilepsy, was confiscated by customs officials. Mrs Caldwell said: “For the first time in months I’m almost lost for words, other than thank you, Sajid Javid. That the Home Secretary has announced that medicinal cannabis can now be prescribed by GPS on Billy’s 13th birthday is amazing. I wonder if he knew?

“Never has Billy received a better birthday present, and never from somebody so unexpected.”

She added: “Crucially, my little boy can now live a normal life with his mummy because of the simple ability to administer a couple of drops a day of a long-maligned but entirely effective natural medication.”

Mr Javid said he had taken the decision following advice from the Chief Medical Officer and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. He said specialist doctors could now prescribe cannabis-derived products for patients with “an exceptional clinical need”.

The Department for Health and the Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency will have the task of developing a clear legal definition of what constitutes a cannabis-derived medicinal product so they can be rescheduled and prescribed.

In the meantime, clinicians will still be able to apply to an independent expert panel on behalf of patients needing to access such products.