Olivia Mitchell
Question:1079 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on calls for legislation on the use of cannabis for medical purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16278/02]
Vol. 554 No. 5
1079 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on calls for legislation on the use of cannabis for medical purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16278/02]
Cannabis is a schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984. It is also one of the controlled drugs which has been designated for the purposes of section 13 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977.
The nature of the controls provided in this manner are those which, according to the current UN Conventions on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, must be applied to substances, such as cannabis and cannabis resin, for which there is no current recognised medical or scientific use. Under these laws, the manufacture, possession, supply, and prescription and use of the drug are prohibited, except under licence from the Minister for Health and Children.