Parents of disabled boy quizzed over medicinal marijuana

The parents of a disabled toddler have been left in limbo over his future care after being quizzed by child protection service officers about their use of medicinal marijuana, which they say is essential to keep him alive.

Rhett Wallace and Cassie Batten were summoned to meet with child protection officials after it emerged they had been treating their son with cannabis oil because it helped to stifle his life-threatening seizures.

The medicinal use of cannabis oil is illegal in Australia, however some doctors do administer it in hospitals.

The couple, supported by their lawyer Daniel Stuk, feared their child would be taken away from them, but they emerged relieved after an hour-long interrogation.

Cooper’s parents told officials that their use of cannabis oil in the toddler's milk had all but stopped his fits.

The meeting with the Department of Human Services followed a police raid on their Mernda home, where several items were seized.

Outside the hearing, Mr Stuk said the couple demonstrated clearly that Cooper's interested were always at the forefront of their minds and he hoped common sense would prevail.

"Cassie and Rhett are great parents and they were able to show this in the interview today," Mr Stuk told reporters.

Cooper's parents, who have six other children, would not comment on whether they would continue to use the oil, but said they are confident their son will not be put into care.

The Department of Human services said child protection had an obligation to meet with parents over their use of cannabis oil, but there are no concerns regarding Cooper's care.