Kerry County Council is leading calls nationally for the legalisation of marijuana for medical use after one local politician secured unanimous backing for the move on Monday.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Norma Moriarty succeeded in her proposal to get the Council to write to the Minister for Health, and relevant agencies, to allow the use of the drug for patients whose GPs would deem it effective for the alleviation of symptoms.

"It's difficult to understand why this kind of medication can't be made available under certain circumstances," Cllr Moriarty said.

Medical marijuana, devoid of the potent mind-altering THC component, is legal in parts of the US and Australia.

The Waterville based councillor said many people suffering from MS and Cystic Fibrosis in particular would benefit, saying that powerful drugs are already on the market for use under strict medical supervision. "I spoke with members of the Irish College of General Practitioners who basically told me they produced a paper supporting the call for this as they clearly see it as part of medical assistance," Norma added.

The motion was strongly supported by councillors Toiréasa Ferris and Terry O'Brien, with the latter citing a public perception of marijuana as the reason why people overlook its medical benefits. "This is a genuine request and I support it," Cllr O'Brien said.

Cllr Ferris explained that she knew of cancer patients suffering severe joint pain and it "beggar's belief" that something which gives pain relief can't be accessed. "It's scandalous they can't avail of this," she said.

Kerryman