Cannabis-based medicinal drugs to be made available, says White

Cannabis-based medicinal products are to be made available, Minister of State for Health Alex White told the Dáil last night.

He said there were potential health benefits from those products, such as Savitex, for patients suffering from certain conditions like multiple sclerosis.

"Accordingly, while it is not Government policy to legalise cannabis or its use, provision is being made for the availability of cannabis-based medicinal products by way of an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs regulations currently being finalised in my department," he added. "This follows on from the receipt and assessment by the Irish Medicines Board of a request for authorisation for such a product to be available on the Irish market."

Mr White ruled out legalising cannabis, which was proposed in a motion moved by Independent TD Luke Ming Flanagan.

'Strict legal controls'
"The Government has no plans to alter or repeal the current strict legal controls on cannabis and cannabis products in Ireland, " he added.

He said that drugs misuse continued to be one of the most significant challenges facing the State. “It is highly destructive and has devastating effects on individuals . . . and society in general,” he added.

Mr Flanagan said he was advocating the control, standardisation, legitimisation and taxation of cannabis. "I am recognising the fact that it is freely available," he said.

He said the laws relating to cannabis were changing around the world, including in places like Colorado and Washington. Several other states were set to follow suit.