Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
1092. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he is considering the addition of conditions to schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, SI No. 173 of 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17225/21]
View answerThe Health Products Regulatory Authority’s “Cannabis for Medical Review Use – A Scientific Review” advised that treatment with cannabis is only permitted under a controlled access programme for the treatment of patients with;
a. Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to all standard therapies and interventions whilst under expert medical supervision;
b. Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, despite the use of standard anti-emetic regimes whilst under expert medical supervision;
c. Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard anticonvulsant medications whilst under expert medical supervision.
The programme, included in the HSE Service Plan for 2021, will operate on a five year pilot basis.
The Minister will also continue to consider Ministerial Licence applications for cannabis-based products for medical use for conditions outside the scope of the Access Programme, where the treatment has been endorsed by a medical consultant.
Medical practitioners and patients are encouraged to consult the Department of Health website which contains information on medical cannabis, including clinical guidance on the use of medical cannabis and details on how a medical practitioner may apply for a Ministerial licence for medical cannabis.
