Calls for better access to medicinal cannabis in South Yorkshire
It comes a year after the law around prescribing it changed
A year since a change in the law for medicinal cannabis, we're hearing South Yorkshire families are still desperate to get it for their loved ones.
It was this time last year that the government started allowing some doctors to prescribe it - but there's concern it's not made access to it any easier.
Today, some parents are even going on hunger strike in demonstration.
Lisa Andrews lives in Sheffield - and uses cannabis illegally to help with her disabilities:
"It can reduce nausea, pain, mental health wise it takes the stress away, it gives you an appetite - without cannabis I would not eat, along with eliminating the pain that I have. It also helps blood flow, it helps cell rejuvenation.
"Last year everyone got really excited that things had actually started to move in the right direction and then all of a sudden it's come to a complete halt. When are they actually going to wake up and do the right thing? It should be people before profit."
The move from the government to allow specialist doctors to prescribe cannabis-based products last year came after high profile cases like Alfie Dingley whose parents campaigned for access to cannabis oil to help his epilepsy.
But campaigners claim many parents are struggling to find the experts to recommend them for medicinal cannabis and they want it more accessible.
Lisa says it needs changing:
"The kids have to come first. Government just keep on changing the goalposts constantly saying it's going to be legalised, it's going to be available on the NHS on prescription. And then it's that you have to find an expert that's going to speak for you. There are people out there where there are no experts that exist that can speak up for them.
"I sympathise with the mothers, being labelled as giving their child drugs when they're just basically fighting for their child's right to have a better life. I do sympathise with that and it is difficult but I think it's brilliant what they're doing. They're standing up for their children and they're doing the right thing."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
“We sympathise with those families dealing so courageously with challenging conditions. The change in the law allows specialist doctors to prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use where clinically appropriate.
“There is a clear need for more evidence to support prescribing and funding decisions and we are working hard with the health system, industry and researchers to improve the knowledge base available."