Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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151. To ask the Minister for Health when medicinal cannabis will be more accessible and legal here for children who have been diagnosed with severe epilepsy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40474/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may already be aware already that under the Misuse of Drugs legal framework, it is open to a medical practitioner to apply for a Ministerial licence for medical cannabis for the treatment of a patient under his or her care.

I would strongly advise that the Deputy and any persons interested in the use of cannabis for medical purposes to consult the Department of Health website which contains detailed information on the matter, including information on the types of cannabis products and the specified medical conditions for which they may be used to treat, as well as clinical guidance on its use. This information can be found at the following website address:

health.gov.ie/blog/publications/cannabis-for-medical-use

Details of who may apply for a Ministerial licence and how to apply can also be found on the Department's website.

Having consulted the website, patients or medical practitioners who require further details or clarifications are invited to contact my Department directly for further assistance.