Written answer
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
The MCAP has registered 75 patients for three conditions; its five-year review is under way and may consider expanding eligibility.
4140. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the current state of play with the MCAP scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59374/26]
Comment on this
The Medical Cannabis Access Programme, operated by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service since 2021, is for the treatment of three stated conditions with cannabis-based products that do not have a marketing authorisation. The conditions are:
1. Refractory Epilepsy
2. Spasticity as a result of multiple sclerosis
3. Nausea as a result of chemotherapy
To date 75 patients have been registered for the programme. The programme was to be subject to a 5 year review. The review has commenced and will consider whether there is sufficient evidence to broaden the range of conditions. A clinical review group and Chairperson are in place to consider this and other matters. It is anticipated that the review will take a year to complete.