Three cannabis-based medicinal products are now available on the Irish market

A third cannabis-based medicinal product has been accepted for use for qualifying patients under the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP).

The latest product, Tilray 10:10, is an oral solution which contains a balance of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.

Last month, the Minister for Health Simon Harris authorised the first two cannabis-based products, which are manufactured by two international companies, for importation, prescribing and supply to the Irish market.

Tilray 10:10, a pharmaceutical grade medical cannabis full spectrum extract oil, is produced and manufactured at either of Tilray’s two facilities. The manufacturing facilities are in Nanaimo, near Vancouver in Canada and, later this year, at Tilray’s EU Campus in Cantanhede, Portugal before exportation to Ireland.

Under the MCAP, cannabis-based medicinal products can be prescribed by a consultant physician for three defined medical conditions, namely, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.

Eligible patients must have their name entered on the cannabis for medical use register.

The three products have been added to Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs (Prescription and Control of Supply of Cannabis for Medical Use) Regulations 2019.

The Health Service Executive is to meet the cost of the cannabis products listed in Schedule 1 for use under the access programme.

valerie.ryan@imt.ie