Ireland to provide ‘compassionate access’ to medicinal cannabis

Mr Harris today published a report by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HRPA), called Cannabis for Medical Use – A Scientific Review.

He said: “I am very pleased to publish this report which reviews the scientific data and provides an overview of the approaches other countries have taken to medicinal cannabis.

“I understand this is a matter of great concern to many patients, to many colleagues in the Oireachtas and to members of the general public who have contacted me.

“I believe this report marks a significant milestone in developing policy in this area. This is something I am eager to progress but I am also obligated to proceed on the basis of the best clinical advice.

“The report notes that this is ultimately a societal and policy decision and I have decided to proceed with the advice of the HPRA and establish an access programme for cannabis-based treatments for certain conditions, where patients have not responded to other treatments and there is some evidence that cannabis may be effective.”

Department of Health officials are now considering the legislative changes that may be necessary to facilitate the programme.