A Scottish mother is advocating for cannabis-based medication for her two-year-old daughter to alleviate her distressing seizures. Hannah Granger, 31, is campaigning for her daughter Minnie to receive cannabis-containing drugs that she believes could significantly improve her condition. Minnie, who requires round-the-clock care, was experiencing over 100 seizures daily before being prescribed cannabidiol (CBD) medication.
While Minnie’s seizure frequency has reduced since starting CBD, she still suffers from severe seizures that can impede her breathing for nearly a minute. Hannah is convinced that medicines containing THC, a compound found in cannabis, could enhance Minnie’s quality of life and decrease the occurrence of her seizures. However, despite the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in the UK in 2018, medications with THC are not currently supported by the NHS due to unclear associated risks.
Minnie was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition related to epilepsy at eight weeks old, leading to her experiencing various types of seizures. Hannah describes Minnie’s care as a full-time responsibility, with her daughter needing constant supervision and support from the family. Despite being on nine different anti-seizure drugs, Minnie’s resistance to medication poses significant challenges, and doctors believe she may not achieve seizure control with conventional treatments.
Hannah is determined to explore alternative medications, including cannabis oil with THC, to help Minnie live a more comfortable life. She highlights the potential benefits of such medications in reducing seizure frequency and enhancing Minnie’s awareness. While healthcare authorities are cautious about THC-containing medications, Hannah remains hopeful that early access to cannabis-based drugs could provide relief for her daughter before formal clinical trials.
The family’s struggles have garnered support from organisations advocating for the legalisation of cannabis-based medications for children. Despite facing hurdles in accessing the desired treatment, Hannah remains resolute in her pursuit of a better quality of life for Minnie, even if it means challenging established healthcare protocols. As Hannah continues her fight, she remains optimistic about the potential positive impact that cannabis-based medications could have on Minnie’s well-being.