West Tyrone MLA calls for legalisation of medicinal cannabis

by Gráinne Connolly

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan says its finally time for Government to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes. 

The MLA said: 

"I've met many people across my constituency who feel they have no choice but to use medicines like cannabis oil to ease their suffering - this includes cancer patients, those with Parkinson's disease and those suffering from epilepsy. 

"It's clear to me that the drug has had a very positive impact on these people's health and well-being."

Mr McCrossan recently met with Billy and Charlotte Caldwell who have played a fundamental role in trying to change society's perception on medicinal cannabis.

Charlotte has been campaigning for the legalisation of the drug since it's proven to keep Billy's life threatening epileptic seizures away. 

He is currently over 300 days seizure free, thanks to a CBD oil now called 'Billy's Bud'. 

After meeting with the Caldwell's, the MLA said: 

"Billy was failed by the Health Service here, forcing his mother to the US for life saving treatment to stop his life threatening epilepsy. 

"This treatment should be available here to anyone who needs it."

He went on: 

"The use of cannabis is stigmatised in society. But this should in no way cloud the fact that cannabis has proven time and time again to be an effective treatment for many life limiting conditions people are facing."

While he calls for legalisation for medicinal purposes, Daniel made his views clear that he did not support the use of any drug for recreational purposes, including cannabis. 

However, those who already use the CBD oil for medical reasons "are living in fear of criminalisation" due to the fact that they have to get it elsewhere as it's not being supplied legally. 

Mr McCrossan feels that a debate needs to be had about the drug and said: 

"it is time both Stormont and Westminster got serious on opening up access to cannabinoid drugs for people who have been failed by traditional medicines. 

“We cannot continue to deny patients medicines that have huge potential to ease suffering.

“It is now paramount that we bring a collective Northern Ireland voice to Westminster in pressing the need for change. If the devolution gets back on its feet, this is an issue that I will personally pursue.”