Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The delegates were asked about side effects.

The only studies available relate to recreational use. It is unfair to try to bring them into this debate because we are talking about two completely different scenarios. For example, Deputy Boyd Barrett referred to some prescribed medicines, for example, Prozac. If a person was to take the drug in an unsupervised setting the side effects could be considerably more harmful than if it were prescribed while being monitored by a doctor. We cannot compare like with like in that regard and I do not believe we should be muddying the waters on the issue. Anyone who has ever seen someone who is addicted to Prozac will know that it is completely different from someone who is taking Prozac for a short period.

We have now established that we are looking at a minimum of six months for legislation with the possibility of 18 months. The only option available at the moment is the licensing arrangement. The Chairman has asked for clarification and it is important we get it. I understand a doctor can prescribe it but a consultant has to endorse the application and the consultant is also responsible for the monitoring of the cannabis. However, the consultant need not prescribe it himself or herself; a doctor can prescribe it. Can the witnesses clarify this point?

The Chairman made another point relating to a consultant. If a consultant gets a licence, is it universal to other individuals or must it apply on a case-by-case basis?

My final point relates to costs. If we are considering whether to bring forward legislation for people to access cannabis-based medicines, then obviously a cost arises. In the normal way of things, drugs are reimbursed through public health schemes provided it is an authorised medicine. That is my understanding. In this case, we have cannabis for medicinal purposes. While a trial period is under way, it is not going to be recognised as a medicine. Does this have implications for reimbursement costs? Have we examined that? If we are looking to provide a scheme for the coming five years, then will some reimbursement programme be put in place? Is that even possible without it being classified as a medicine?