Vol. 451 No. 1
33 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some sufferers of multiple sclerosis get relief from symptoms by use of a soft drug (details supplied); if this has a medical or scientific basis; and, if so, if consideration will be given to making this drug available to multiple sclerosis sufferers on prescription. [6242/95]
Limerick-East): Cannabis and cannabis resin are Schedule 1 controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984. This is the schedule of control which according to the International 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. Accordingly, the manufacture, possession, supply, prescription and use of the drug is prohibited except under licence from the Minister for Health. Under the law such licences may be granted only for the purpose of research, forensic analysis or in respect of the use of the drug as an essential starting material for the manufacture of other drugs.
The question of legalising cannabis has been raised with reference to the medical and other benefits allegedly associated with such action. The position is that the medical claims being made in favour of cannabis consist only of personal testimonials. The question of making the drug available under prescription could arise only if the drug was granted a licence as a medicinal product. I do not envisage such a licence being made available.
