Written answers

Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Department of Health

Medicinal Products

Photo of Brian StanleyBrian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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250. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) to whom medicinal cannabis has been recommended here and in another EU state as being beneficial but which practitioners here are refusing to prescribe due to potential liability; and if, in such cases it is possible to have the drug prescribed in another EU state. [40741/18]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Department is not in a position to advise or comment on individual cases.

Medical practitioners and patients may consult the Department of Health website which contains information on medical cannabis, including clinical guidance on the use of medical cannabis and details on how a medical practitioner may apply for a Ministerial licence for medical cannabis. This information can be found at the following website: health.gov.ie/blog/publications/cannabis-for-medical-use/

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. The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, and the Regulations made thereunder, it is an offence to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply and possess cannabis except in accordance with a licence issued by the Minister for Health.

Photo of Brian StanleyBrian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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251. To ask the Minister for Health the progress being made to deal with the difficulties in having medicinal cannabis prescribed for patients in cases in which this is recommended; if the matter will be discussed with the Medical Council; and his plans to introduce legislation in order to resolve the matter. [40742/18]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon 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 this section of the Department's website at: health.gov.ie.

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

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