Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the policy in relation to the use of cannabis by prescription for medicinal purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8913/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Cannabis is a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984. It is also one of the controlled drugs which has been designated for the purpose of section 13 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

The nature of the controls provided under the Misuse of Drugs Acts are those which according to current UN conventions on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, must be applied to substances, for which there is no current recognised medical or scientific use. Under these laws, the manufacture, possession, supply, and prescription and use of the drug are prohibited, except under licence from the Minister for Health and Children.

By virtue of the designation under section 13 of the Act, licences may be only granted for the purpose of research, forensic analysis, or in respect of the use of the drug as an essential intermediate or starting material in an industrial manufacturing process. Licences may also be granted in the case of certain low tetrahydrocannabinol plant varieties of cannabis for the growing of hemp.

Claims have been made in respect of cannabis about the possible benefits for patients suffering from certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. The Irish Medicines Board under the Control of Clinical Trials Acts 1987 and 1990, has granted permission to a UK based pharmaceutical company to conduct a clinical research trial in Ireland to determine the effectiveness of a cannabis based medicinal extract in controlling cancer related pain. This sponsoring company is already involved in similar clinical trials in the UK. The Department has granted the appropriate licences to enable the research to be carried out.