Medicinal Products Availability

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 January 2014

Thursday, 23 January 2014

Questions (228)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

228. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the timetable for the expected introduction of Sativex or similar products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3319/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis or cannabis-based medicinal products are unlawful except for the purposes of research.

Draft Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations are being prepared to enable authorised cannabis-based medicinal products such as Sativex to be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients. It is anticipated that the draft Regulations will be introduced in mid-2014.