iHemp Magazine iHemp - Issue 6 - Jun 2019 | Page 30

hemp SUPERHERO Accessing Medicinal Cannabis through the medical system (Doctor Option) Danny Battershill Cannabis Spokesperson & Hemp Superhero You may remember Danny Battershil from earlier iHemp issues where we have talked about how he lived inside a ‘plastic bubble’ in the hospital for a large part of his life. He had the worst case of Eczema you ever saw. His skin the largest organ in the human body, failed a number of times but Danny lived through it and is thriving today because of medicinal cannabis. Danny is 23 yrs old but is a seasoned veteran when it comes to medicinal cannabis in New Zeasland. Dr Graham Gulbransen West Care Specialist Centre Henderson Auckland 09 836 9331 [email protected] cannabiscare.nz 5. Danny is a Hemp Superhero for bringing this information to light, not for personal gain and even at great personal expense. He is working on a list now, having identified a possible 12 doctors across the country. “They are hesitant to advertise themselves” says Danny "So I am hoping to bring you a more extensive list in time for my next interview in iHemp magazine.” There are 3 options for medication: • Tilray - THC and CBD extract as drops • Sativex - only available at a specialist level • CBD Lozenges - 50 mg (see the Courtney Letica story page 35) 6. Danny advises potential cannabis patients to learn and educate themselves as much as possible about cannabis. It is important to realize that medicinal cannabis from the doctor may help with symptom control, but a more focused effort on nutrition, through the consumption of cannabinoids from the whole plant, is what is needed for the long term. Marco chats with Danny Battershill I f you or a loved one want to try medicinal cannabis legally, Danny has advice for you: 1. It’s a really, really awkward situation getting medicinal cannabis in New Zealand. We are hoping the government will prioritize the health of this country's citizens, before the financial health of corporates. 2. Talk to your doctor first to see if they are knowledgeable enough on cannabis or even interested in going down that track with you. 3. Get them to refer you to a specialist. The specialists are few and far between, but here is one in Auckland that is brave enough to put his hand up. A face to face consultation at his clinic in Henderson, West Auckland is $275, or a skype call for $350. 4. Medication is extra around $300 per month depending on what you get... 30 31