Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome Deputy Gino Kenny, Dr. O'Grady and Professor Finn and thank them for attending. I have a few questions for the Deputy. Who will be on the cannabis regulation authority? What process will be put in place to establish this authority? Will it be an application process or will its members be appointed by the Minister? Section 6(1) states: "The principal function of the Authority is the development and maintenance of a regulatory framework for the sale (wholesale and retail), labelling, advertising and marketing of cannabis and cannabis-based products for medicinal use." In Part 10, section 39 states: "It shall be an offence to advertise or market cannabis or cannabis-based products...". What issues may arise from this? Will a television or radio advertising campaign need to fit in within certain parameters as set out by bodies such as the ASAI, or will it be necessary to stick to the same rules and regulations as everyone else?

Is it expected that all pharmacies will seek a licence or just some? Will someone using cannabis and cannabis-based products for medicinal purposes need to carry a licence or medical certificate at all times to distinguish him or her from a normal user?