Cannabis Oil in an Irish Children’s Critical Care Unit

Aims: We present a case of a five-year-old female admitted postoperatively to the Paediatric Critical Care Unit with a history of refractory seizures for which her parents were administering cannabis oil. Methods: We discuss the issues surrounding cannabis prescription in Ireland and the role of parental autonomy in medication selection and administration. Results: An administration regime was agreed upon following discussion with the child’s parents. Conclusion: While this case raised ethical and legal issues, we must also consider parental autonomy and their role as advocate for their child during admission to critical care.