Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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731. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to medicinal cannabis licensing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5432/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Cannabis is strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, and the Regulations and Orders made thereunder. 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.

The Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order 2017 states that he manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of the drugs specified in Schedule 1 (including cannabis) is unlawful except for the purposes specified in Schedule 2 of the Order, licences may be issued for research, forensic analysis or use as an essential intermediate or starting material in an industrial manufacturing process.

 Policy to date has not permitted the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes and no licences have been issued for this activity.