General Practitioners (GPs) in Ireland might soon be authorised to prescribe a cannabis-based medication for the treatment of symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
For a number of years MS Ireland has been campaigning for access to Sativex, the cannabis-extract spray used to treat spasticity, tremors and other symptoms. The ingredients relax the tension in muscles, the spasms, which can cause mobility problems as well as high levels of disabling pain. The Irish Medicines Board had approved the product for use in the country following years of consultation and examination. Currently people in the UK, Spain, Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada are using the product.
However, before people in Ireland can be prescribed the product, there has to be a change to the Misuse of Drugs Regulation, 1988. As many of you know, MS Ireland has been highlighting the issue of access to treatments in general and Sativex has been one of those products that generated much hysteria and misunderstanding. As Emma Rogan MS Ireland Policy and Information Officer said in the Irish Times, “It’s not about people wanting to get out of their mind. It’s people wanting to live their lives with some basic dignity”.
The Department of Health had requested submissions on the change to the legislation by early September. Please read MS Ireland’s submission made to the department.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact Emma Rogan emmar@ms-society.ie