THE Melbourne couple that controversially gave their sick toddler cannabis oil now fear for their son’s life after hospital doctors last night threatened to call the police if the drug was administered.

Cassie Batten and Rhett Wallace discharged their son Cooper from The Northern Hospital in Epping before the cannabis could be confiscated.

They now feel they have nowhere to turn because doctors refuse to use the drug on hospital grounds.

It is the first time the family has been prepared to reveal the name of the hospital that has been supporting the use of the cannabis oil and tincture for the treatment of the three-year-old’s life-threatening seizures.

Hospital records show staff at The Northern previously included cannabis oil on Cooper’s drug chart.

PREVIOUSLY: Parents face questions over marijuana treatment

But staff yesterday called off their support.

Hospital spokesman Ryan Brown said: “it is inappropriate for The Northern Hospital to comment on a patient’s health or well being. It is, however, Northern Hospital policy not to condone the administration of an illegal substance”.

One of the hospital’s lawyers last night tried negotiating with Mr Wallace, who admitted to becoming emotional during a meeting with staff.

“They (the hospital) said they would call the police and confiscate the cannabis.

“Out of respect we have not intended to release the name of the hospital but now we feel we have no choice, we believe he could go downhill.”

The parents acknowledged removing Cooper was against medical advice.

“Our opinion is that he should be in hospital, but if he can’t have the cannabis oil then he is going to go backwards,” Mr Wallace said.

“We would rather take the risk of the short-term illness, try to manage it at home, than the risk of brain damage which is what happens every time he has a seizure.”

Mr Wallace and Ms Batten said they had rushed Cooper to emergency about 11.30am after he developed a fever and became dehydrated.

“Like any person, we don’t want police involvement but we will go to any length for Cooper, ,” Mr Wallace said.

The parents called state politicians from the hospital ward last night. Both parties have previously vowed to overhaul the law and allow the clinical trials of medicinal cannabis.

“We’re stuck in a solution where both major political parties are willing to support it in future but we need a solution here and now, for Cooper’s sake,” Mr Wallace said.

andrea.hamblin@news.com.au