Home > Dept of Health considers cannabis-based drugs.

Irish Medical Times. [Irish Medical Times] Dept of Health considers cannabis-based drugs. (05 Oct 2010)

External website: http://www.imt.ie/news/2010/10/dail-report.html

The Department of Health is considering sanctioning the use of cannabis-based drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Health Minister Mary Harney has confirmed that the Department is in the process of seeking expert clinical advice on the use of such products, which include Sativex, an oromucosal spray for MS patients, who can use it to alleviate neuropathic pain, spasticity, overactive bladder and other MS symptoms.

In a reply to queries from Fine Gael Deputies Leo Varadkar and Paul Connaughton last week, Minister Harney told the Dáil that if the expert advice indicated that Sativex was beneficial in the treatment of MS, “the Department will examine what changes are required to the Misuse of Drugs legislation to allow for the possession, prescribing and dispensing of the medicinal product Sativex”.

 

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