Campaigners and patients criticised the slow progress of the roll-out of medical cannabis which has forced many sufferers to purchase the product on the black market or travel abroad for the drug.
However, the Health Products Regulatory Authority has now paved the way for those suffering with multiple sclerosis (MS), the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and those with treatment-resistant epilepsy to receive the drugs within a matter of weeks.
Deborah McQuillan, whose 15-year-old daughter Abigail, has between four and 12 epileptic seizures each night, said the drug will provide hope to many.
“Every night I put my child to sleep and it should be a safe place for her, but it becomes the most dangerous place she could be,” she said.
"Bar your prayers, you really are on your own at night. This could save her life."
Although Health Minister Simon Harris signed legislation in June to provide medicinal cannabis to patients who have not responded to standard treatments, it has taken until now to sanction specific products.
Source: Elaine Loughlin, Irish Examiner, 3rd December 2019