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A license to treat chronic pain with medicinal cannabis has been granted here for the first time, it has emerged.

A 3-month agreement was given the green light by the Department of Health to use Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) people in constant agony.

THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis.

It is currently illegal to use medicinal cannabis here - but medical consultants can apply for the license on a case by case basis.

A three month licence can be granted on foot of an application made directly to the Minister for Health under section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Under guidelines from Chronic Pain Ireland, the THC would NOT be consumed via smoking.

A patient would ideally take it by vaping or in their tea.

Under the strict terms, a medical professional would administer a starting dose, monitor the patient and adjust the dose accordingly, they say.

Patients will be placed under constant medical supervision.

More to follow.