Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
673 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 514 of 20 September 2011, if he will report on the progress to licence the cannabis-derived medication Sativex, which has been proven to alleviate the symptoms arising from multiple sclerosis in other states including the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21984/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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. I am aware that claims have been made in respect of the possible health benefits of cannabis-based medicinal products, such as Sativex, for patients suffering from certain conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. I am also aware that cannabis-based medicinal products may be legally prescribed in other countries. My Department is currently examining how cannabis-based medicinal products, such as Sativex, may be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients for the treatment of MS in Ireland.
