Written answers
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Department of Health and Children
Drug Reclassification
5:00 pm
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number and names of countries in the EU which permit cannabis to be used for medical purposes; if she proposes to permit the use of cannabis for medical purposes here; if her attention has been drawn to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who can not live here because their medical prescription cannot be obtained here under law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14854/08]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with Ireland's obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland.
The current legal position in Ireland in relation to cannabis is that it is a scheduled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and its sale, supply, distribution and possession is unlawful except for the purpose of research. My Department is aware that claims have been made in respect of cannabis and its possible benefits for patients suffering from certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. As the law currently stands, however, cannabis is not licensed here for medicinal use. I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy, however, I do not propose to change the law in this regard. My Department does not have details of the countries in the EU which permit cannabis to be used for medical purposes.
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