Cannabis Oil Fight: New Battle for Life-Saving Drug

Eight years after securing a life-saving cannabis oil prescription for her son Alfie, a Warwickshire family faces a new crisis. Alfie, now 15, relies on Bedrolite to manage severe epilepsy, having previously suffered around 150 seizures weekly. The drug, provided by Dutch company Bedrocan, has kept him seizure-free for eight years.

However, Bedrocan declared bankruptcy in October, putting the critical supply at risk. Families report that existing stock could run out within months. Alfie's grandmother, Maggie Deacon, is now campaigning in her daughter Hannah's memory, emphasizing that the specific Bedrolite formulation is crucial and alternatives may not be effective. She fears a return to Alfie's previous state of constant crisis.

Emma Matthews also shared her son Louis's dependence on Bedrolite since 2016, noting his current seizure-free life. She expressed extreme concern about the potential for fatal seizures if the supply is interrupted. Both families have been informed that the Dutch government is restricting exports of Bedrolite to prioritize domestic supply.

While Bedrocan stated efforts are underway to restart the business and that some inventory remains, concerns about continuity are high. The UK currently has approximately six months of supply, but its origin is entirely imported, leaving a critical vulnerability. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the importance of uninterrupted access and is working with UK suppliers and the Dutch government to explore additional stock.