18/06/2018

Medical Cannabis Oil Returned To Billy Caldwell

The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, has returned Billy Caldwell's medical cannabis oil, that was confiscated from his mother at Heathrow Airport last Monday, 11 June.

It is understood that the medical cannabis was returned to the 12-year-old Co Tyrone boy after doctors convinced authorities that his situation was a "medical emergency".

In 2016, Billy became the first person in the UK to receive a prescription for medical cannabis to control his seizures. However, the Home Office later ruled that the prescription be stopped.

Billy's mother was stopped at Heathrow Airport last Monday by Border Force who confiscated cannabis oil she had brought back from Canada.

Billy and his mother, Charlotte, moved from Tyrone to London to petition the government to allow access to the medication. It is understood that Billy was admitted to hospital almost immediately after his treatment was stopped and it was reported that he had been suffering "back-to-back" seizures.

The cannabis oil was return on Saturday 16 June on a special 20-day license, which states that the treatment cannot be taken home to Tyrone.

The Home Office has said that the medication was issued for a "short term emergency" and would reviewed.

Charlotte Caldwell said that they had "achieved the impossible" but reiterated her call for medical cannabis to be freely available for all who needs it.

(MH/LM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
30 January 2023
Two Cannabis Factories Uncovered In County Down
A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the discovery of two cannabis factories in County Down. At around 9:25am on Sunday 29th January, police received a report of a disturbance in the Kilkinamurry Road area of Ballyward.
19 June 2018
Billy Caldwell Discharged From Hospital
A boy with severe epilepsy who was hospitalised after his medical cannabis oil was taken from his mother at Heathrow Airport has been discharged from hospital. Billy Caldwell, aged 12 and from Co Tyrone, was treated with the drug in hospital after the Home Office granted a 20-day licence for the use of the cannabis oil.
15 June 2018
Billy Caldwell Moved To London To Fight For Medical Cannabis Access
Charlotte Caldwell has moved her son Billy to London to continue their fight for access to medical cannabis. Last year 12-year-old Billy, from Co Tyrone, became the first person in the UK to be given a medical prescription for cannabis as treatment for epilepsy.
11 January 2023
Suspected Cannabis Factory Uncovered In Craigavon
Two men have been arrested following the discovery of a suspected cannabis factory at a property in Craigavon on Tuesday 10th January. Shortly after 5.15pm, officers received and responded to a report of suspicious activity at a house in the Carrigart Crescent area.