Struggling to access medical cannabis on the NHS, Caroline Gisbourne felt compelled to explore alternative avenues to help her son.
Mitchell Gisbourne, affectionately known as Mitch, faced a challenging journey since contracting Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) at just five months old. Despite numerous medications prescribed by doctors, none could effectively manage Mitch’s seizures.
In 2014, he underwent brain surgery, but it didn’t yield the desired results. Another surgery in 2016 showed promise temporarily, but his symptoms returned.
Caroline, Mitch’s mom, decided to try CBD despite professional advice against it. To her joy, within 48 hours, Mitch became seizure-free. Encouraged by this success, Caroline gradually shared their experience with CBD, receiving support from Mitch’s school community.
As Mitch reached puberty, his seizures worsened, compounded by autism and the challenges of the 2020 lockdown. In desperation, Caroline sought help from the cannabis community, finding relief in THC-containing oil, which effectively managed Mitch’s seizures.
Despite fears of legal consequences, Caroline was relieved she could ease Mitch’s suffering. However, when authorities intervened, confiscating the oil, Caroline felt unfairly treated for trying to improve her son’s well-being.
“ A lack of clinical trial research and education on prescription cannabis is contributing to a “two-tier” system and penalising chronically ill patients. “
Caroline Gisbourne
Eventually, she obtained a private prescription for cannabis, but uncertainties linger about their future. Caroline advocates for wider access to medical cannabis on the NHS, emphasizing its positive impact on Mitch’s health and their family’s dynamics. She hopes for greater acknowledgment and integration of medical cannabis in mainstream healthcare, citing its transformative effects on Mitch and their lives.
Caroline says “ A lack of clinical trial research and education on prescription cannabis is contributing to a “two-tier” system and penalising chronically ill patients. “
