• Michael Savio, Hugh Kearney, and Eric J Downer.
• Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2025 Feb 3.

BackgroundAdvancements continue to be made in the development of medicines containing components of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. Consultants can prescribe specific cannabis-based products for a restricted set of indications in Ireland, with neurologists being at the forefront of therapy. Much debate on the therapeutic potential/efficacy of such cannabis-based products exists.AimThe objective of this study was to conduct a national survey to determine the perspectives/views of Irish neurologists regarding the use of cannabis-based medicines.MethodsAn online anonymous survey was conducted to capture the perspectives and experiences of neurologists in Ireland regarding cannabis-based therapeutics.ResultsThirty-four neurologists completed the survey in full, with study participants rating their knowledge of cannabis-based medicines as average. Data presented herein indicate that there is a need for educational programmes on the cannabinoid system and cannabinoid-based medicines, and the findings indicate that neurologists are interested in the use of cannabinoid-based medicines in their practice. Study participants were more divided with regard to the clarity of the process for accessing cannabis-based medicines, and the consensus is that the application process is unclear. Approximately one-third of participants have made an application to access medicinal cannabis-based products on behalf of a patient.ConclusionsData presented herein indicates that the majority of neurologists surveyed are aware of the current systems in place to access cannabis-based products for medicinal use in Ireland and that some engagement with these systems has taken place. A key finding is that educational programmes on the cannabinoid system and cannabis-based medicines are required.© 2025. The Author(s).

5 keywords...

hide…