Minister for Health Simon Harris announces review of Ireland’s policy on medicinal cannabis

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Minister for Health Simon Harris today announced that he wants to review Ireland’s policy on the use of cannabis for medicinal use. As part of the the review of the policy, the Minister has asked the HPRA (Health Products Regulatory Authority) to provide expert scientific advice on the subject. Speaking on the review, Minster Simon Harris said: “This is not a discussion about decriminalising cannabis in any way shape or form, it is about reviewing our current policy and seeking to inform ourselves of the latest medical and scientific evidence on the potential medical benefits of cannabis for some people with certain medical conditions. “Since coming into office I have had initial discussions with my officials, medical experts, patients and members of the Oireachtas. I am therefore very pleased to understand from the Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Dr Harty, that the Committee is planning to discuss this issue later this month." Cannabis is legal for medicinal use in a number of countries including The Netherlands, Canada, Australia and some states in the USA, where it is heavily regulated. The prospect of legalising cannabis for medicinal use was previously put forward in the Dail by Anti-Austerity Alliance/ People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith and more recently in a recommendation by The Green Party.