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Ireland has taken a conservative and carefully controlled approach towards medical cannabis. Medical Cannabis Access Programme launched in 2019. This was a major development that offered specific patients with health conditions an regulated treatment pathway. Access remains limited due to complex regulations and narrow eligibility criteria.
Medical Cannabis Access Programme
Medical Cannabis Access Programme established in order to allow patients suffering from severe conditions that are resistant to treatment to have legal access cannabis-based therapies. The eligibility is limited to three conditions: Spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), nausea from chemotherapy and unrelenting neuropathic symptoms. Doctors with specific expertise must write the prescriptions.
MCAP is a structured programme, but its uptake remains modest. A limited number of conditions are approved, and administrative obstacles continue to limit the number of people who can benefit from this programme.
Ministerial Licences Pathway
MCAP replaced the previous system whereby patients were only able to obtain cannabis by obtaining a ministerial permit from the Health Minister. While this pathway continues to exist, it is often considered cumbersome because of the long and bureaucratic processes involved. Patients who do not meet MCAP’s eligibility requirements often have no other option.
Reimbursement for Costs
Access to treatment can be influenced by the cost. MCAP enrollees may be entitled to reimbursement if their health cards are part of Ireland’s framework for public healthcare that is based on means. Cannabis is only available to those with a ministerial license. They must cover the entire cost directly. The distinction between the two creates an unfairness for patients who are in the same medical environment, based on how they access cannabis.
Product Availability
The product choice is extremely limited in Ireland. MCAP allows the use of a limited number cannabis extract products. Ministerial license holders are limited to Bedrocan, and these products must first be transformed into extracts in the Netherlands by a magistral pharmacist. In addition, a large number of products are imported based on prescriptions, which can cause delays for patients and increase costs.
The Challenges of the Future
Ireland’s Framework shows progress in comparison to a decade earlier, but still faces structural obstacles. Patients are restricted in their access due to narrow eligibility criteria, expensive costs that do not fall under the public reimbursement scheme, and import dependence. The number of patients will remain low unless the eligibility requirements are broadened, and the approved product range expanded. Nevertheless, the ongoing review of policy may offer opportunities for future changes, particularly with evidence coming from other European countries.
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FAQThe s
Yes. Medical marijuana is legal in Ireland, under two different frameworks. The Medical Cannabis Access Programme and Ministerial license pathway. The two frameworks provide access to medical cannabis that is highly restricted but regulated.
At the moment, there are only three eligible conditions: Multiple Sclerosis spasticity (spasm), chemotherapy-induced nausea and treatment-resistant neuropathy pain.
Patients who do not qualify for MCAP can apply to the Minister of Health for a ministerial licensing. It is a long and bureaucratic process that requires specialist medical assistance.
MCAP reimburses patients with health cards. If you choose the Ministerial License Pathway, the cost of your treatment will be the same as if you were to pay for it yourself.
MCAP allows access to only a few extract-based product options. A ministerial permit allows only Bedrocan, and these products are converted into extracts by the Netherlands, before being given to patients.