Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 941: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to licence the drug Sativex for use by MS sufferers. [23621/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis-based medicinal products is unlawful except for the purposes of research.

I am aware that claims have been made in respect of the possible health benefits of cannabis-based medicinal products such as Sativex for patients suffering from certain conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. I am also aware that cannabis-based medicinal products may be legally prescribed in other countries. However, as the law currently stands, it is not possible for cannabis-based medicinal products to be prescribed by a medical practitioner in Ireland. However, my Department is examining the issues associated with applying controls, similar to those that apply to other controlled drugs that can be misused, such as morphine and methadone, to cannabis-based medicinal products to permit them to be prescribed and dispensed in Ireland.