New laws allowing cannabis-based medicines to be prescribed in Ireland for the first time could be in place by tomorrow. The Junior Health Minister Alex White says the laws will be signed early next week if not before then.
The change will allow doctors to prescribe drugs like 'Sativex' to patients to relieve the pain from conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The oral spray has been launched in 11 countries (including the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany) and approved in a further 13.
It is proven to ease symptoms and significantly improve the quality of life of people suffering from illnesses like multiple sclerosis. It is also used in palliative care for patients who are in severe pain.
Tom Curran - whose partner Marie Fleming died of MS - has been campaigning for years to have the laws changed. The drug has already been approved by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) - formerly the Irish Medicines Board.
Minister Alex White says it will be legal very soon.
Click here to hear audio of Alex White
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