Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal (Medical, Very Limited) | 2019 (MCAP) | No | Hospital consultant specialist only | Covered if approved |
How to Get Medical Cannabis in Ireland
- Note: Ireland's MCAP covers only 3 conditions — MS spasticity, chemo nausea, paediatric epilepsy
- Consult your GP and explain your condition
- GP refers you to a hospital consultant specialist
- Specialist applies to the MCAP on your behalf
- If approved, product costs are covered by the HSE
Qualifying Conditions
- MS spasticity (treatment-resistant)
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (treatment-resistant)
- Severe refractory epilepsy in children (Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut)
Cost & Clinics
Ireland's Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP), established in 2019, is very limited. Only hospital consultants can apply on behalf of patients. GPs cannot prescribe. The programme covers approved costs. Irish patients seeking broader access sometimes seek prescriptions abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a medical cannabis programme in Ireland?
Yes — the MCAP has been in place since 2019. However, it is very limited: only three conditions qualify and only hospital consultants can prescribe.
Which conditions qualify under Ireland's MCAP?
Treatment-resistant MS spasticity, treatment-resistant chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, and severe refractory epilepsy in children (Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome).
Can my GP prescribe medical cannabis in Ireland?
No — only hospital consultant specialists enrolled in the MCAP can apply on a patient's behalf.
Is the cost covered?
If approved through the MCAP, product costs are covered by the HSE. The approval process can take several months.