Ireland: Health Committee rejects medical cannabis bill

Irish patients will have to wait a little longer before they can be treated with cannabis-based medications. The Irish Health Committee has just rejected the bill on medical cannabis, which had been submitted by a group of left-wing parties, the Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit last December.

The Irish government had stated that it would not oppose the medical cannabis bill, which was set to be considered by the Dáil, the lower house of the Irish Parliament. But when it comes to the Health Committee, that’s a different story.

Significant legal issues

The bill was intended to legalize cannabis products used for medical purposes. These products were intended for patients suffering from’epilepsy, of cancer or even chronic pain. The bill was rejected because the Health Committee felt it raised too many legal issues.

The Health Committee also notes that the proposed access to medical cannabis is «too flexible to effectively prevent disguised recreational use or excessive consumption by patients.».

In addition, concerns regarding the removal of cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act sparked debate. This law, which would legalize cannabis possession for everyone (including recreational use), raised concerns within the Health Committee. This is yet another reason why the medical cannabis bill was rejected.

Kate O’Connell, a member of Ireland’s centrist Fine Gael party, said: «When we approve medications, we must ensure that they are safe, of high quality, and that their effects are measurable. Our primary role as lawmakers is to protect the public. I believe our decision is justified.»

The Health Committee explains that there is still insufficient scientific evidence to prove the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medications, despite encouraging findings particularly for epilepsy.

It is not yet clear whether this bill will be revised or not. If the entire regulatory process needs to be redone, the Health Committee will be the only body that needs to be convinced, since the government has already given its approval.

Mehdi Bautier