Multiple sclerosis sufferers have described the decision by the Department of Health to legislate for cannabis-based drugs as "fantastic news".
The Multiple Sclerosis Society had made numerous representations to the department seeking market authorisation for such treatments.
These treatments are used to relieve muscle spasms in patients with MS.
Research completed last year by the University of Limerick, in association with the MS Society, showed that 68% of MS patients experience muscle spasms and 41% of them use some form of drug to treat them.
The brand, Sativex, which is used as a spray, has been authorised for use in Britain for some time. Its manufacturers had asked the Irish Medicines Board to authorise the drug’s use in Ireland and now the agency is approving its sale in Ireland based on its "quality, safety and efficacy".
The advice to the Department of Heath is that it is a "a valid treatment option".
Source: Claire O’Sullivan, Irish Examiner, 14/09/2012
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