Written answers

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Department of Health

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1843. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the qualifying conditions under the medical cannabis access programme; if there is evidence to include chronic pain as a qualifying condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15640/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Products Regulatory Authority’s “Cannabis for Medical Review Use – A Scientific Review” advised that treatment with cannabis is only permitted under a controlled access programme for the treatment of patients with;

a. Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to all standard therapies and interventions whilst under expert medical supervision;

b. Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, despite the use of standard anti-emetic regimes whilst under expert medical supervision;

c. Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard anticonvulsant medications whilst under expert medical supervision.

The programme, included in the HSE Service Plan for 2021, will operate on a five year pilot basis.

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