Boy who changed law on medicinal cannabis thriving as he turns 21

In a remarkable turn of events, Billy Caldwell, who once endured hundreds of life-threatening seizures daily due to an extreme form of epilepsy, is now celebrating his 21st birthday after being seizure-free for three years. Billy's journey began when his mother, Charlotte Caldwell, embarked on a quest to find a cure for her son's condition, ultimately leading to the prescription of a cannabis-based medicine in Canada.

The treatment proved to be transformative, enabling Billy to lead a thriving life, as his mother eloquently stated, "Billy has now gone three years without a seizure. I would say that prescription cannabis has not only given Billy back his right to life but it's given me back my right, as a mother, to hope."

Billy's case became a beacon for the campaign to change UK law on medical cannabis. However, the road to legalizing cannabis-derived medicines was fraught with challenges. In 2018, it became legal for specialist doctors to prescribe such medicines in certain circumstances. Charlotte, though relieved, acknowledged that access to the medicine remains a significant issue, particularly for families who cannot afford private treatment.

While Billy receives his medicine through the NHS, Charlotte argues that the financial burden of private prescriptions is prohibitive for many.

Despite the financial hurdles, Charlotte remains committed to ensuring that the vulnerable chronically ill have access to the medicine they need. She emphasizes that prescription cannabis, while not a cure-all, is no different from other pharmaceutical medications. "Prescription cannabis is really no different to pharmaceutical medication. You can give an opiate for back pain and it might work for one person and not another. Prescription cannabis is no different," she asserts.

The most profound changes Charlotte has noticed in Billy are not just medical. His balance and walking have significantly improved, allowing him to navigate steps, a feat he could not achieve for years. "If somebody had walked into the room a number of years ago, Billy would just have totally ignored that person. Now if somebody walks into the room, he basically walks straight up to them and tries to hold them, that's his way of saying hello," Charlotte shares.

While life at home has become quieter and less chaotic compared to the days when Billy's epilepsy was uncontrolled, Charlotte acknowledges that round-the-clock care is still a necessity. However, the fear of a seizure claiming her son's life has been considerably alleviated. "I don't have that fear anymore and that's nice," she concludes.