WATCH ABOVE: An Alberta mother will be able to continue to treat her daughter’s epilepsy with a form of marijuana. Fletcher Kent explains.
EDMONTON — An Alberta mother was elated Friday when the province dropped an application that would force her to use prescribed medicine to treat her sick child.
There were cheers and hugs outside the Leduc courthouse when Lita Pawliw learned she can continue to use a marijuana derivative to treat her four-year-old daughter Natalya, who has epilepsy.
Pawliw was in court because Child and Family Services had applied for a supervision order that would have force her to stop using the marijuana derivative and put her daughter back on prescribed medications.
Previously, Natalya had been on seven medications, Pawliw said. She claims the drugs didn’t work and left her daughter “lifeless.” With the new treatment, she says, Natalya is seizure free.
“This is a side of my daughter that I’m getting to know.
“I’m getting to know a child who is no longer a drug addict to pharmaceutical medication,” she said.
READ MORE: Regina mother applauds medical marijuana ruling to treat her epileptic son
Friday morning, a lawyer for the province withdrew the application. The move surprised and thrilled Pawliw.
“I’m proud of my daughter. I’m proud of the fight she’s gone through.”
While the application was withdrawn, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be brought forward again.
If it is, Pawliw says she’ll be back at court to fight again.
“I’m hoping that they realize it was providing her best interest, that this is the best results that she’s had.”
CBD is a compound found in cannabis that is part of a class of molecules called cannabinoids.
READ MORE: Clients upset after police raid Edmonton marijuana dispensary
Aaron Bott, president of the Mobile Access Compassionate Resources Organization Society (MACROS), was at the courthouse to support the family on Friday.
“They found out pharmaceuticals just don’t work for her; they impede her well-being. With CBDs she can actually function as a little girl again.”
“She deserves this medicine,” Bott added. “She’s a patient. She has the right to choose this medicine.”
“It’s a no-brainer for me. Why give a child chemicals when you can give them a natural product and it heals what their condition is?”
Global News has contacted the ministry of Human Services for comment on why the application was withdrawn but has yet to receive a response.
With files from Fletcher Kent, Global News
Comments