Launch of Medical Cannabis Access Programme

Minister for Health Simon Harris has signed legislation which will allow for the operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme on a pilot basis for five years. The programme will facilitate access to cannabis-based products for medical use in line with legislation.

Minister Harris said: "Today is a significant milestone. For years, families have fought for this programme to be established and for years, we have faced many challenges, obstacles and hurdles. I am so pleased to be here today to advance this Programme and help the lives of many families across the country. The purpose of this programme is to facilitate compassionate access to cannabis for medical reasons, where conventional treatment has failed. It follows the clear pathway laid out by the Health Products Regulatory Authority in their expert report ‘Cannabis for Medical Use – A Scientific Review’.

"Ultimately it will be the decision of the medical consultant, in consultation with their patient, to prescribe a particular treatment, including a cannabis-based treatment, for a patient under their care. It is important to state that there are no plans to legalise cannabis in this country."

 

The offences and penalties for unauthorised supply and possession of controlled substances remain unchanged.