Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In 2019, I worked from the Opposition benches with the then Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, on the setting up of a scheme for medical cannabis use. That scheme now operates through licences issued by the Minister. I favour anything that has an evidence basis to it, including when it comes to expanding the medical cannabis access programme. However, it needs careful consideration and good evaluation. The Deputy indicated that nerve pain and pain generally is the area people are suggesting for expansion. It certainly is an area that could lend itself to the use of medical cannabis. At the moment, the drug is used for severe, refractory epilepsy, spasticity as a result of multiple sclerosis and nausea as a result of chemotherapy. We need a stronger evidence basis for its clinical efficacy. Now we have had 50 cases, we need to bring the perspectives of the medical community into the equation a bit more.

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