Mattie McGrath
Ceist:1454. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his policy towards the introduction and use of medicinal cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32962/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (1454)
Freagraí scríofa
On foot of the HPRA report ‘Cannabis for Medical Use – A Scientific Review’, I announced my intention to establish a ‘Cannabis for Medical Use Access Programme’ to facilitate access to cannabis-based products, that are not authorised as medicines but are of a standardised quality and meet an acceptable level of quality assurance. The programme will provide access to cannabis treatments for patients who are under the care of a medical consultant, for certain medical conditions which have failed to respond to standard treatments.
An expert group has drawn up clinical guidance for healthcare professionals treating patients through the access programme, which includes guidance on which cannabis products are appropriate for medical use. However, the access programme is not yet operational as further work is required in relation to certain elements, in particular the availability of appropriate quality-approved medical cannabis products that are affordable to patients. This is a critical aspect in establishing the access programme and the Department is working intensively on finding solutions to the supply of appropriate products for Irish patients.
In the meantime, prescribing of cannabis for medical treatment by medical consultants, for their individual patients is being facilitated via the Ministerial licence application route. It should be noted that it will be a matter for the prescriber and their patient to source the prescribed medical cannabis-based product. It is understood that patients who have been prescribed such products have sourced it from Transvaal Pharmacy in The Hague, at the following address: Kempstraat 113, 2572 GC The Hague. Tel: 070-3469314.
Medical practitioners and patients may consult the Department of Health website which contains detailed 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.