Pubdate: Thu, 22 May 2014
Source: Herald, The (Glasgow, UK)
Copyright: 2014 Herald & Times Group
Contact:  http://www.heraldscotland.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4784
Author: Ann Maxwell
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n448/a02.html
Page: 17

FOR THE SAKE OF FUTURE GENERATIONS, WE SHOULD SUPPORT TRIALS OF 
MEDICAL MARIJUANA

SINCE it was revealed that researchers in Edinburgh and London are 
seeking approval for cannabis-based drug trials for the treatment of 
childhood epilepsy, the interest has been phenomenal ("Landmark trial 
of marijuana drugs for stricken children", The Herald, May 19).

For the many thousands of parents of children who suffer from complex 
forms of epilepsy, it is hope for a life without the relentless 
seizures. It is even hope that some of the damage and debilitating 
effects of their children's epilepsy, which can leave them profoundly 
disabled, can be reversed.

No-one expects miracles, but there is good evidence that medical 
marijuana  the non-harmful compound within the cannabis plant  can 
have a dramatic impact, so we have to get these trials off the ground.

That Edinburgh University through the Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, 
the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh and Great Ormond 
Street Hospital in London are championing trials is a very 
significant step forward. But it is only a first step. For such 
trials to take place, they need funding and in today's world that 
means funding from charitable donations.

As the mother of a 17-year-old boy with Dravet Syndrome, I know his 
chances of benefiting from such trials are limited. However, as the 
founder and fundraiser for the Muir Maxwell Trust, the charity my 
husband and I set up in our son's name, I want these trials for the 
children who come after Muir.

It is for them that we need to start raising money now and fight to 
see these trials get under way.

Ann Maxwell, The Muir Maxwell Trust, Stuart House, Eskmills, Musselburgh.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom