Chris Andrews
Question:1556. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be issued with a prescription for medical cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14639/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (1556)
Written answers
The Department does not comment on individual cases.
Ministerial Licence under Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016
Under Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977-2016, doctors may utilise the Ministerial licensing route to prescribe medical cannabis for their patients, should they wish to do so. In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, either by a consultant or by a GP which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time. This information can be found at the following links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1a5c4e-applying-to-the-minister-for-health-for-a-medical-cannabis-licence/
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e35cb4-ministerial-licence-application-process/
It is important to note that the medical decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment, including cannabis treatment, for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient. The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process.