A Boy With Epilepsy Owes His Life to This 1 Completely Legal Marijuana-Based Product

By Murphy Moroney

Updated on 9/10/2017 at 7:35 AM

Billy Caldwell almost didn't make it to his 12th birthday due to life-threatening seizures caused by severe epilepsy. But since being prescribed CBD oil, his health has improved so drastically he hasn't suffered a seizure in 300 days.

Caldwell, who has intractable epilepsy (meaning no matter what changes are made to his diet or medication, his seizures remain frequent and unpredictable), was dying from his condition until he was prescribed CBD oil, a cannabis-based product that doesn't contain any harmful chemicals.

According to an interview Billy's mom did with ITV News, her son suffered up to 100 seizures per day — and that's a pretty terrifying thought since one is all it could take to kill him.

While CBD oil is completely legal in the US, it's not legal in the UK yet. Caldwell, whose family lives in Northern Ireland, became the first person to receive a prescription for medical marijuana in the country.

Billy's mother also said that CBD oil has helped alleviate some of his autism symptoms and has improved his eye contact and engagement level with books and toys.

The Caldwells set up a Facebook page called Keep Billy Alive to chronicle his journey and to raise awareness about the positive effects of CBD oil.

Any cannabis products referenced above are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The writer is not a medical doctor, and their experience is based on personal use, the results of which may not be typical or intended. The legality of cannabis products varies by state, and readers are encouraged to check their local laws before purchasing and using cannabis products. Nothing in this article should be construed as advice regarding the legal status of cannabis products. Any views expressed in this article by a third-party sponsor are those of such sponsor, and do not necessarily represent the views of POPSUGAR.