Mother Spends £24,000 Annually on Daughter’s Medicinal Cannabis, Calls for NHS Access

An Aylesham, Kent, mother, who reports spending £2,000 monthly for her daughter’s medicinal cannabis, has urged for enhanced availability of the treatment through the NHS. Emma Appleby stated that her 15-year-old daughter, Teagan, relies on the medication to control daily seizures resulting from severe epilepsy. Although medicinal cannabis was legalized in the UK six years prior, Ms. Appleby asserted that obtaining it via the health service remains “impossible.” The NHS confirmed that it does issue prescriptions for specific licensed cannabis-based products for particular ailments, but noted that numerous products are unavailable for prescription as their manufacturers have not participated in the UK medicines regulatory process. Speaking to the BBC, Ms. Appleby conveyed that cannabis oil has transformed her daughter’s life, yet she is unable to secure an NHS prescription for it. She commented: “It is absolutely gutting that it has been six years and we are still in this position.” She explained that she covers the cost of the drug via private healthcare, adding: “I’ve had to work so hard to keep raising the money for the cannabis oil.” In Brighton, Ryan Gillam, aged 31, has experienced sciatica and migraines for over a decade. He reported that conventional treatment approaches adversely impacted his mental well-being, and he found that medical cannabis substantially alleviated his condition without adverse effects, though it incurs a monthly expense of £500. He stated: “I would like it to be available on the NHS, or for them to pay for some of it.” He added: “It means I am able to do everyday activities.” The NHS indeed prescribes certain licensed cannabis-based products for specific ailments, such as severe epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and muscle spasms linked to multiple sclerosis. A BBC investigation conducted last year revealed that NHS England had prescribed medicinal cannabis to fewer than five individuals. Readers can follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.