Last Updated on 30th July 2020

Health Minister, Simon Harris, has announced special measures to import medicinal cannabis during COVID-19.

It’s a welcome move by the Department of Health for those who rely on medicinal cannabis. COVID-19 has disrupted the travel plans of many, including patients who regularly travelled to Holland to obtain their prescription.

Speaking at the announcement of the initiative, Mr Harris said, “I am aware that the limited number of patients who avail of a ministerial licence for medicinal cannabis products issued under section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts have been encountering difficulties with access owing to travel restrictions and people’s need to self-isolate.”

Vera Twomey, who led a campaign to secure medicinal cannabis for her daughter Ava, was delighted with the announcement. Ava suffers from a rare form of epilepsy and was having constant seizures before starting to use medicinal cannabis.

Ms Twomey, who spoke in the House of Commons last year on the benefits of alternative medicine, hopes these provisions will continue beyond the emergency period.