T
Green
HOMEGROWN
Plans to make use of Irish natural resources could lead to
‘sowing weed instead of pulling weeds’
Irish fossil fuel producers Bord na Móna have met with
Ireland’s Health Minister Simon Harris in a bid to become
the country’s first medical cannabis supplier.
Their pitch included a plan to repurpose some of 80,000
hectares of wetland into a dedicated medical cannabis
cultivation centre.
The plan has been backed by several governmental
parties and an independent Teachta Dála (TD), a member
of the lower house of Irish Parliament.
Micheal Fitsmaurice TD told the press if this new
proposal was approved by the Ministry of Health, Ireland
would be “sowing weeds instead of pulling seeds.”
Health minister Simon Harris described the meeting with
semi-state agency Bord na Móna as “good” and
“interesting.”
Harris spoke at Ireland’s medical cannabis access
programme launch at the end of June after signing
legislation allowing it to run for five years as a pilot
programme.
The pilot will facilitate access to cannabis-based products
for medical uses.
Sanctioned medical uses outlined include the treatment
of severe epilepsy, combatting the spasticity associated
with multiple sclerosis and relief of nausea and vomiting
associated with chemotherapy.
Speaking at the launch regarding the proposal from
Bord na Móna, Harris said: