Register opens for patients who seek cannabis for medicinal purposes

The use of cannabis for medicinal took a "significant step forward" today, according to the Minister for Health.

The Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) has opened for medical consultants to make an application for themselves and their patients to be registered for the programme.

Registration on the 'Cannabis for Medical Use Register' is required for the prescribing of cannabis-based products under the MCAP. The register will be operated by the HSE.

“Today is a significant step forward in the ongoing delivery of the MCAP," enthused Minister Stephen Donnelly TD. "This step forward will greatly assist patients who, under the supervision of their consultant, need to avail of medicinal cannabis products to alleviate the effects of their severe medical conditions. I now hope the programme continues to go on and grow and expand further, to best meet the needs of patients and families around Ireland.”

The MCAP will require a dispensing fee to be agreed with community pharmacists and this process is ongoing.