Carol Nolan
Ceist:180. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if there will be changes to the licensing system to allow ill persons, under the guidance of general practitioners, to receive CBD. [15617/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 3 April 2019
Ceisteanna (180)
Freagraí scríofa
Cannabis is strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, and the Regulations and Orders made thereunder.
The two most common active components found in cannabis oil are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
- THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Under the Misuse of Drugs legislation products containing THC are strictly controlled and possession is unlawful except under licence.
- CBD is derived from cannabis. However, since it is not psychoactive it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation, and does not require a Ministerial Licence. CBD oil is sometimes marketed as a nutritional or dietary supplement, however it should be noted that it is not authorised as a medicinal product in Ireland.
If a doctor wishes for a patient to access medicines containing CBD the products can be prescribed by the doctor for use by their individual patients under their direct personal responsibility and supplied as unlicensed medicines. Once in receipt of a prescription, a pharmacy can than assist a patient in sourcing the CBD product through a wholesaler authorised to import unlicensed medicines.
Cannabis products for use under the Cannabis for Medical Use Access Programme, once reviewed as suitable for medical use, will be published on an ‘approved list. This will include certain CBD products as outlined in the Department of Health's Clinical Guidelines on Cannabis for Medical use, which is available on the Department's website.
Department of Health Website
The Department of Health website 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.