EPISODE #103 Medical Cannabis - A Mother's Story with Vera Twomey: Cannabis Advocate, Activist and Author

This week we’re delighted to be joined by Vera Twomey, mother of Ava (who suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy), medical cannabis advocate, activist, and author of ‘For Ava...’.

From the perspective of a mother and caregiver, Vera shares the difficulties and frustrations faced accessing cannabis in Ireland, the importance of access to medical cannabis for children, and the extreme lengths she went to to find medicine for her child.

About Vera
Vera Twomey has spearheaded the campaign for access to medical cannabis in Ireland firstly on behalf of her daughter Ava Barry and subsequently on behalf of thousands who continue to seek access to medication for their family members.
Vera's commitment and dedication to the advocacy for cannabis has become known across the UK Europe and North America. Vera has spoken within the House of Commons and The European parliament as well as all around the Rep of Ireland and Northern Ireland on the topic of medical cannabis.
Her extraordinary book "For Ava" details the struggle and dedication she exhibited to achieve access to medication for her daughter.
A regular speaker surrounding the issue of medical cannabis Vera Twomey can be credited with bringing the issue of cannabis into the public sphere in Ireland. Her exceptional determination and can-do attitude can be given significant credit for the positive changes made by the government to move the issue of cannabis in the Rep of Ireland forward.
From Cork County in Ireland Vera lives with her family and continues to lobby tirelessly for fair access to cannabis medicine for all.

→ View full show notes, summary, and access resources here:

https://www.canverse.global/shownotes/e103

Quotables

‘When we started on this journey we were so alone, we didn't know where to turn’ 30:40

‘I never intended to be known for issues surrounding cannabis, but when there are children involved... morally it is the right thing to do to share that with other parents to give them the opportunity to maybe find some improvement for their child’s life’ 31:17

Resources

Join Vera on Twitter: https://twitter.com/veras1

Buy Vera’s Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ava-incurable-reluctant-activist-campaign/dp/1781176833

Dravet Syndrome UK: https://www.dravet.org.uk/