MORE than one in two Irish family doctors support the legalisation of cannabis for therapeutic use, according to a survey.

But they are not in favour of decriminalisation of cannabis, according to the Irish College of General Practitioners.

The online survey found a significantly higher percentage of male doctors (40.6pc) supported the decriminalisation of cannabis than female colleagues (15pc).

The vast majority felt cannabis use was bad for people’s mental health and increased the risk of schizophrenia.

Six in 10 saw cannabis has having a role in palliative care, pain management and treatment of multiple sclerosis .

The national online survey published in this month’s Harm Reduction Journal was carried out by in early 2016, with 565 responses.

An expert group is examining the issue of medicinal cannabis available for certain patients and is due to report shortly to the Minister for Health Simon Harris.

Online Editors