Ireland: CBD oils are a growing success

Although the Irish Health Committee rejected last month a bill of law on medical cannabis, which had been submitted by a group of left-wing parties, the Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit a few months ago, demand for therapeutic cannabis products, particularly cannabis oil, continues to grow in Ireland. While tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) remain illegal, oil from cannabidiol (CBD) is available.

CBD oil in Ireland: a growing success

East of Eden, a health food store selling cannabidiol oil

In the southwestern city of Limerick, a biochemist and therapist has been selling CBD oil since the start of the year, following calls for cannabis to be legalized in Ireland. Cillin Cleere is the owner of Eats of Eden, a specialist health food store. In an interview with Irish Times, He explains that the sale of cannabis oil has grown considerably and is one of his top ten selling products. These oils contain CBD levels ranging from 2 to 10%. In addition to oils, CBD creams are also available.

Of the patients who use the oil, the owner of East of Eden explains that he has had a lot of positive feedback, particularly from the elderly.

Cillin Cleere later adds that the cannabis oil he sells contains a range of neurological and physical benefits. «If you with chronic health issues you need to consider your lifestyle and diet. CBD oil is not an elixir of life, but it's close,» he asserts.

He says he'd received questions from customers wondering if they could get a high after using his products. «It's not cannabis oil, it's hemp. It's a cousin of cannabis, one contains THC and the other doesn't».

Ireland still inclined to legalize medical cannabis

Mr Cleere was present at a meeting held last April at the Oireachtas Joint Committee, the Irish Parliament. The meeting examined the bill and possible legal obstacles to its passage. He stated that «cannabis should be fully legalized and taxed. People should be allowed to grow cannabis for their own consumption.»

Vera Twomey was also present at the meeting. She said that her daughter Ava suffers from Dravet syndrome, a dramatic form of childhood epilepsy characterized by convulsive seizures. She explained to Parliament that she treats her daughter with cannabis, specifically with Charlotte's Web. This variety was named in tribute to Charlotte Figi, a young American girl who suffers from Dravet syndrome and uses this variety to treat her epileptic seizures.

But Parliament rejected the bill, provoking Vera Twome's indignation. «I think this is a betrayal of the Irish citizens who got involved and did everything to highlight their need to legalize medical cannabis. I would really like to know what the government considers more important than easing the suffering of the citizens of our country. It wouldn't be legal in Germany and the Netherlands if the medicine didn't work,» she declared. in a local newspaper.

Medical cannabis therefore remains limited to CBD in Ireland, despite requests from many citizens.