Today, the FDA announced its approval of GW Pharmaceuticals' Epidiolex, a cannabis-based medicine for epilepsy. As I've written countless times here on this blog, I do not begrudge those who want to try this concoction a fair chance to try it. If it works, fantastic. If it doesn't, you know where to go and what to do. What is that? You will probably need to jiggle around your CBD and add THC or one or more of the other cannabinoids. You will embark on a twisty path to healing. I believe this with all of my heart, but it's not a religion. It's fact and science and experience-based.
The reason the tiny little mother mind™ is writing this update is because of the following announcement by the FDA that accompanied their approval:
FDA is deeply concerned about the proliferation of unapproved CBD drug products marketed using unproven medical claims to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent serious conditions and we’ll continue to take action against such products.
Cue the revolution. That's right. If the FDA or Big Pharma takes away our freedom to make, use, buy or otherwise give our cannabis medicine to our children or ourselves, there will be a revolution.
Epidiolex will cost between $2,000-$6,000 a month. If you have any experience with manufacturers and insurance companies and how drugs are priced, go figure that shit out. Contemplate that. Read my post from a few weeks ago where I discuss the difference between Epidiolex and the cannabis meds that many of us currently use.
My tiny little mother mind™has said it before over the five years that I and my compadres have been doing this, that there's a swimming pool here and plenty of lanes. Initially, we told the docs and anyone who would listen that they should get on the train because it was leaving the station. We were mocked and humiliated -- literally -- but we didn't give a flying foo and proceeded to save each other's children. We were told that we couldn't discuss cannabis medicine with our neurologists. We were reported to Child's Protective Services. We were obstructed over and over. That did not stop us.
Now, I'm telling you that Big Pharma should use their lane and not infringe on ours or take over the entire pool.
I mean it.
*This has been a Public Service Announcement
Completely agree, Elizabeth. And you are just the right person for the revolution. How fookin' DARE they.
ReplyDeleteThis sends sawteeth to my gut. How I'd love to see my grandson on a drug which controls his seizures as well or better than his current "traditional" meds do but without the side effects and the possibilities (am I being optimistic in the use of the word "possibilities" here?) of addiction. But $2,000 to $6,000 a month?
ReplyDeleteHell. I'd say that we should simply get him signed up for Florida's medical marijuana program but I seriously doubt his neurologist would approve of that and might well just refuse to see him anymore. And would they allow him to take those meds at school? I doubt it. Would insurance pay for any of it? I doubt that too.
We're such a weird and fucked up nation. And Big Pharma can kiss my ass.
What Ms. Moon said.
ReplyDeleteFucking bastards.
The FDA has proved once again that it has no capacity to be deeply concerned in any human way.
ReplyDeleteAs you and those in your community of parents are showing, one way we can continue to take action against the FDA is by continuing to do what we know is right for ourselves and our loved ones when it comes to medications. The money motive here that is being supported by the FDA is infuriating.
Yet another Monsanto scenario (https://www.globalresearch.ca/the-seeds-of-suicide-how-monsanto-destroys-farming/5329947). Another word is greed.
ReplyDeleteResist.
They fuck you coming and going and everywhere in between.
ReplyDeleteStay strong, Elizabeth. Keep being a pioneer.
It's all about capitalism and the almighty dollar. As you have already made clear!
ReplyDeleteMoney can be evil. This is beyond horrible. Thank you for being the furocious fighter mom that you are. For all of us.
ReplyDeleteThe FDA and Big Pharma are as usual, in Bed with one another... while trying to F**k everyone else that won't get into Bed with them so they can screw you over in financially oppressive and 'approved' ways that unfortunately our Govt. is turning blind eyes towards. Follow the money, it always leads to the greedy bastards that get these 'approved' meds and strongarm everyone else who isn't making them money into using only their products that they set a ridiculously inflated price point upon. I'm wondering how 'safe' this new drug actually is... not that they'd Care... they push loads of unsafe drugs upon the Public and their Children and the collateral damage is enormous when addiction and wrecked health or death are the byproducts of their Big Pharma drugs.
ReplyDelete