Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

In 2019, medical cannabis was recognised as a medical intervention. That was underpinned by legislation by the then Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. Nine months ago the medical cannabis access programme commenced. Many of us who campaigned for that programme were joyous. Since then only 12 patients have been prescribed medical cannabis under prescription for the first time under the health service. This is far too restrictive. People who need access have to go to the black market, some go abroad or worse still, as I am told in the many weekly calls I receive, have to go without. Many of us welcomed this programme but it is far too restrictive. Looking at the same model in Denmark, thousands of people have access to the medical cannabis access programme there. The review is due this year and I do not think the current programme criteria are fit for purpose.

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