Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1800. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the medical cannabis access programme clinical review; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20997/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In 2016 the Minister for Health requested that the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), convene an expert working group to assist with its review of the potential medical use of cannabis. Following this review the HPRA published “Cannabis for Medical Use – A Scientific Review” in January 2017. Subsequently an expert group was convened to draw up clinical guidance to underpin the functioning of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme which was published in 2019.

In 2022, following completion of an updated evidence review, the Department plans to establish an expert group to further review the use of cannabis for medical use.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1801. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the licence application for cannabis for medical use under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 in respect of a person (details supplied) which is supported by their medical professionals; if the application will be approved; the reason for the delay in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20998/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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An application can be made by a consultant or by a GP with a consultant’s endorsement for a licence issued under Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to treat their patient with cannabis-based products.

If an application is successful the clinician is the sole licence holder.

Matters relating to licence applications to the Minister for Health can only be discussed with the applying clinician and in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for the Minister for Health to comment on whether or not a licence application has been received in this instance.

Clinicians are advised that any queries in relation to a licence application should be made directly by the clinician to the Controlled Drugs Unit in the Department of Health.