Kenny calls on government to expand the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme

People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny says he is calling on the government to expand the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) so that it includes neuropathic pain in light of a report conducted by the Health Research Board.

Speaking on the review, Gino Kenny TD said: “Now that the clinical review has been concluded by the Health Research Board, I am calling on the government to allow for an expansion of the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme so that it includes neuropathic pain.

“This review is extensive and does recommend in its clinical judgment that there are benefits to medicinal cannabis for a wider group of conditions outside of those included in the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme.

“It is now up to the Department of Health to expand the MCAP going forward.

“Currently, only 50 people have access to the scheme over the past three years.

“For the MCAP to progress other conditions must be included, otherwise the programme will become redundant.

“I’m calling on the Department to bring forward measures in light of this report and to expand the MCAP to treat conditions where it could be beneficial. ”