Renewed Calls For Provision Of Cannabis-Based Drugs

The SDLP has renewed calls for access to cannabis-based medicines in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health is under pressure to back guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to make Epidyolex and Sativex available in the North.

It comes after NHS England approved two cannabis-based drugs to treat patients with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

SDLP health spokesperson Mark H Durkan said: "Today's announcement is welcome news for many campaigners and people across England who suffer from debilitating conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. It provides hope for those living with chronic conditions in the North that a similar implementation can be secured here.

"This is an issue that I and the SDLP have worked hard to progress and prior to the collapse of the Assembly, I met with the previous Health Minister to discuss the importance of the legislating on medicinal cannabis.

"And whilst there has been progress on this issue with the Department of Health announcing that cannabis-based medicinal products could be described by doctors without a license, it does not go far enough. It is also lamentable that it took Billy Caldwell to take extremely ill before movement was made on this issue

"Yet the reality remains that in the absence of an Executive, this vitally important issue like many others, has been stalled. It is imperative that the Department now take on the baton and ensure that patients here can access the same treatments available across the water."

The Foyle MLA continued: "There must be a compassionate response to those with chronic illnesses. By securing this life-changing treatment we can improve the lives of many people here living with debilitating illnesses. People cannot continue to wait in pain."



(JG/CM)