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COMMENTARY: Greater access to cannabis will help sick kids

Tina M. DeSilvio

Courier-Post

Sunday 11 Aug 2013

I am a mother of two daughters, one of whom was diagnosed at 2 with double cortex syndrome. This rare genetic disorder presents many traits, the most dangerous being epilepsy. My daughter will soon be 14, and in the past 12 years has suffered anywhere from five to 100 or more seizures a day.

In the hopes to help control these seizures, she has taken countless anti-epileptic medications, had a surgically implanted device known as a vagus nerve stimulator and most recently underwent brain surgery, all to no avail. As a parent, it is more than frustrating to sit beside my daughter and wait out the seizures.

There are days I wonder if giving her all of these medications is doing more harm than good, not only with the side effects, but also the seizures themselves. Out of desperation and frustration, I decided to look into alternative treatments. And with that, I began researching medical marijuana.

Although New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize medical marijuana in 2010, there are still many hurdles to cross. Children under 18 cannot obtain a “red card” for medical marijuana access unless three doctors sign off: the treating specialist, such as a neurologist; the child’s pediatrician; and a psychologist.

In theory, obtaining these three letters seems simple. However, my daughter’s primary treatments for the genetic disorder are through her neurologist, who specializes in this field. Her pediatrician is not as knowledgeable with neurology and does not interject with medications prescribed by the neurologist. Psychological treatment is not common for a patient suffering from seizures, which makes me wonder why a letter from a psychologist would be required. In my opinion, finding a psychologist willing to write a letter for an unfamiliar patient defeats the purpose and validity.

The compound found in the strain sought for children suffering seizures is cannabidiol. Strains of medical marijuana that contain a high concentration of cannabidiol have been proven effective for treating medication-resistant epilepsy. Cannabidiol is nonpsychoactive, so there is no “high.” Yet the pharmaceutical medication my daughter currently takes is considered a controlled substance as it alters one’s mind.

The medical marijuana plant is made into an edible form, such as an tincture or oil, which is administered to the patient orally in a syringe or mixed with food. Children are not smoking medical marijuana.

Bill S2842 is sitting on Gov. Chris Christie’s desk awaiting his signature. State legislators, in nonpartisan fashion, voted for this bill, which would allow parents to have less difficulties obtaining the “red card” for our children and their medical needs. It would also make available more than the three strains of medical marijuana currently permitted in New Jersey, which would give access to medical cannabis for all patients.

My goal with writing this is to spread awareness. There are people who form an opinion without first finding out the facts, myself included. However, now that I have a better understanding of medical marijuana, I have become an advocate. Most importantly for my daughter, but also for the many others who are ill and suffering unnecessarily.


http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20130811/OPINION02/308110002/COMMENTARY-Greater-access-cannabis-will-help-sick-kids?nclick_check=1

 

 

 

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