Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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305. To ask the Minister for Health if CBD oil will be made available to persons with multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38516/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the deputy will be aware, cannabis is strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, and the Regulations and Orders made thereunder.

For the purposes of clarity, the two most common active components found in cannabis oil are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Whilst THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, under the Misuse of Drugs legislation products containing THC are strictly controlled and possession is unlawful except under licence. However, although CBD is derived from cannabis, since it is not psychoactive it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation, and does not require a Ministerial Licence.

Persons interested in the use of cannabis for medical purposes are strongly advised to consult the Department of Health website which contains details information on cannabis for medical use, including information on the different types of cannabis products and the specified medical conditions for which they may be used to treat, as well as clinical guidance on the use of medical cannabis products. This information can be found at the following website address:

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It is important to note that the decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment, including cannabis treatment, for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient. As Minister for Health I have no role in this clinical decision-making process.

If patients or clinicians require any further details or clarification they are invited to contact the my Department directly.