The Republic's Department of Health hopes to bring forward legislative proposals later this year or early next to pave the way for legalising a cannabis-based medicine.

Sativex, which is licensed for the relief of symptoms of spasticity for patients with multiple sclerosis, has been approved for use by the Irish Medicines Board.

However, a change in the Misuse of Drugs legislation will mean loosening controls on cannabis generally.

The department has been engaging with experts on how best to do this.

Belfast Telegraph