Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Health if he will add the drug Sativex to the controlled drug schedule to enable it to be available to persons with Multiple Sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25846/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Cannabis is designated as a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis or cannabis-based medicinal products are unlawful except for the purposes of research. As the law currently stands, it is not possible for cannabis-based medicinal products such as Sativex to be prescribed by a medical practitioner in Ireland.

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. My Department is currently examining how cannabis-based medicinal products, such as Sativex, may be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland.