OpenHealth Q&A

Exploring the Use of Medical THC for a Child with Chronic Illness

Apologies in advance for the length of this post. English is not my primary language, so please overlook any grammatical errors or misspellings. Currently, we reside in the UK. I aim to present just the facts without my emotional perspective. My daughter is turning 9 in June, and she has experienced numerous hospital visits throughout her young life. Her comprehensive diagnoses include fetal valproate syndrome, hypermobility spectrum disorder, developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). While she does not have an official diagnosis, both her mother and I suspect that she may also have sensory processing disorder. In practical terms, she suffers from persistent and severe pain, necessitating regular pain management medication. Sleep is elusive unless she is sedated, and she finds walking any substantial distance challenging. Although she manages to navigate around the house, when it comes to outings, she relies on either a stroller or a trike. She also experiences extreme hypersensitivity to both light and sound, often requiring sunglasses and ear defenders for any outings, assuming she is willing to leave the house at all. At the age of 5, she received a gastrostomy button, and her oral intake has fluctuated since; however, her weight remains stable and she is comfortable with tube feeds. We consider her reluctance to eat orally as one of the lesser concerns, believing that being nourished is the priority. Her standard medication regimen includes: - Celecoxib 100mg, twice daily - Tramadol 75mg, four times daily - Paracetamol 250mg, four times daily - Lorazepam 3mg, at bedtime - Quetiapine 25mg, at bedtime Each of these medications has side effects, especially the sedatives, lorazepam and quetiapine, which typically leave her groggy and irritable the following morning. Despite receiving pain relief and undergoing regular physiotherapy and heat treatments, she continues to experience significant joint pain in her lower body, particularly in her hips, knees, and ankles, often leading to distress and tears. The medications also create gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and overflow soiling. Although she was potty trained by the age of 3, she has reverted to wearing nappies due to medication side effects. We are currently collaborating with a surgeon to consider a cecostomy to manage these complications. As a last resort, her mother and I contemplated the possibility of introducing THC to her treatment plan. We arranged alternative care for our other children so she could receive one-on-one supervision, and after discussing it with her, she inhaled two puffs from a THC vape that I am legally prescribed for ulcerative colitis. While I understand there may be moral considerations, I hope it’s acknowledged that we took significant precautions to ensure her safety in this controlled environment. We abstained from using illicit substances, eliminating concerns about contamination, as I have been associated with a reputable clinic providing this medication for over a year. Initially intended as a trial, the outcome exceeded all expectations. For the first time in half a year, she requested and consumed an oral meal totaling around 700 calories. She left her room voluntarily and joyfully engaged with both her parents. We even managed to take her to a nearby park, where she walked to and from without indicating any pain or discomfort. Typically, bath time triggers tears and sensory overload for her, yet after our park visit, she eagerly requested a bath and enjoyed playing with her toys. Remarkably, she fell asleep in her mother's embrace without any sedatives, sleeping soundly for nine hours. Upon waking, she seemed cheerful and well-rested. It was only about 32 hours after using the vape that she mentioned experiencing pain again. I am not looking for moral judgments or legal debates; we anticipate a return to Argentina soon, where we could administer THC-based medication as necessary. My focus lies on obtaining medical insights regarding whether introducing THC as a pain management option is the prudent choice for her and what additional considerations might ensure this strategy is safe and effective in addressing her health challenges. We have previously attempted CBD treatments, including oils, drops, confections, and topical applications, but they failed to yield positive results. For context, none of her relatives—either from my side or her mother’s—have a history of mental health conditions or personality disorders. Objectively, we consider that the risks associated with long-term use of pharmaceutical pain medications outweigh those linked to a carefully regulated dosage of THC. Moreover, we speculate that incorporating THC into her treatment could potentially allow for a reduction in her pharmaceutical dosages, possibly alleviating her constipation and incontinence and eliminating the need for a cecostomy. Do medical professionals share these views?

Answers (1)

4/4/2025, 2:31:16 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your daughter's situation so thoroughly. It's clear you are seeking an effective and compassionate approach to managing her ongoing pain and associated health challenges. The use of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can be a complex issue, particularly for children, and it needs careful consideration regarding safety, efficacy, and legal implications.

Main Points

• While some parents have reported positive outcomes with THC for managing severe pain, its use in children is still a developing area in medical research.
• If considering THC, it's critical to ensure any treatment is overseen by a healthcare professional to assess efficacy and monitor safety.
• There are additional considerations, such as potential side effects, dosing, and the legal landscape for medicinal cannabis in different countries.

Explanation

THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis and has been found to have pain-relieving properties. Some studies suggest that THC can be beneficial for certain chronic pain conditions, especially when traditional pain medications are not effective. However, this is important to consider in the context of a child's developing brain and body.

Your daughter's previous experiences with significant relief after the trial use of THC suggest it may be beneficial for her. However, research specifically on pediatric use of THC is still limited. Here are some critical considerations if you are exploring this option further:

1. Legal and Medical Oversight:

   • Before proceeding, ensure that you comply with the legal regulations surrounding THC use in the UK or any country you may move to. The legal status can vary, and engaging with a healthcare professional familiar with medical cannabis is essential.

2. Professional Guidance:

   • Consult with a pediatrician or a pain specialist who understands cannabinoid therapies. They can monitor your daughter for any adverse effects and help tailor the use of THC to her specific needs.

3. Dosing and Administration:

   • If THC is to be considered, dosing needs to be carefully calculated. Starting with small doses and observing effects can help avoid potential side effects while also assessing its efficacy.

4. Monitoring and Adjustments:

   • Continuous assessment of her condition after introducing THC is vital. Keep a diary of symptoms, interactions with other medications, and any changes in behavior or pain levels.

5. Alternative Treatments:

   • While you have tried CBD products without success, discussing other holistic approaches or multidisciplinary interventions (such as physical therapy, psychological support, or occupational therapy) could also provide support alongside any medication.

Next Steps

1. Consult a Medical Professional: Arrange an appointment with a pediatric specialist familiar with cannabinoid therapy to discuss THC as part of her pain management.
2. Research Local Laws: Look into the legality of THC and medical cannabis in Argentina as you anticipate moving.
3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of her symptoms, behaviors, and any medications she is taking, including the THC trial, to share with her healthcare provider.
4. Explore Multi-Modal Pain Management: Investigate additional approaches to managing pain that may complement any THC use, ensuring holistic support for her well-being.

Your proactive approach and desire to find the best solutions for your daughter’s health are commendable. Each child’s situation is unique, and finding what works best for her requires patience and careful management. Stay vigilant, and best of luck as you navigate these options.