Ireland’s Health Research Board (HRB) has published the findings from its review of evidence for the safety and efficacy of prescribed medicinal cannabis.
The report, which was published on Tuesday 23 January, found evidence to support the use of prescribed medicinal cannabis for certain conditions for which it is currently approved in Ireland, including nausea and vomiting in cancer and spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
There was also ‘promising’ evidence of a significant benefit for neuropathic or nerve pain, which can occur with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes or spinal cord injury.
For most other conditions, including anxiety and pain in conditions such as cancer, rheumatic diseases and fibromyalgia, there is ‘no conclusive evidence’ to confirm the efficacy of prescribed medicinal cannabis, according to the report.
Regarding the safety of prescribed cannabis, the review found that although serious adverse events do not appear to be common, there is some evidence that some side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, sedation, and headache can occur.
