Ireland launches its therapeutic cannabis program

Ireland becomes the 21st European Union country to authorize therapeutic cannabis. The Irish government gives access to a (very) restricted list of patients suffering from sclerosis, severe epilepsy or severe nausea due to chemotherapy.

«The aim of this program is to facilitate compassionate access to therapeutic cannabis for medical reasons, where conventional treatments have failed.», explained Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. The center-right government had announced this reform in 2019. It is now taking shape, having been budgeted by the Irish executive.

However, Irish patients will not have access to weed in pharmacies. The program only allows a list of cannabis-based medicines authorized by the authorities. So far, 4 have received a stamp, and others are in the approval process. Flower, on the other hand, will remain prohibited, even for therapeutic reasons.

«No plans to legalize»

In this conservative Catholic country therapeutic cannabis was initially rejected. Four years later, it was approved. But the Minister for Health wants to reassure the Irish. Yes, the government authorizes therapeutic cannabis. But it is limiting its use: «The final decision rests with the doctor, in consultation with the patient. He may prescribe a cannabis-based treatment. This follows the advice recommended by the medicines regulator, in their expert scientific report.»

And with this restricted authorization for medical cannabis, the Minister wants to dot the i's and cross the t's. Even though some political parties are asking for it, the government will go no further: « It's important to point out that there are no plans to legalize cannabis in this country.», insists Stephen Donnelly.

The country is considering since at least 2015 to decriminalize cannabis, without success so far.