Author: Shirley Creagh

Oleo Shines at Mary Jane Berlin Event

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Jane Berlin provided the perfect stage for Oleo to unveil its ground breaking product, capturing the attention of attendees and industry experts alike. A Global Stage of Innovation with more than 250 exhibitors from around the world. Mary Jane Berlin is undeniably the pinnacle of industry trade fairs. Oleo proudly stood among these innovative companies, showcasing our passion for advancing medical cannabis solutions. Our presence illuminated the diverse landscape of cannabis offerings, from start-ups with fresh ideas to established giants shaping the industry’s future.

Spotlight on Innovation

At Mary Jane Berlin, it’s not just about showcasing products; it’s a platform for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful discussions. Oleo took this opportunity to connect with renowned national and international hemp experts, engaging in conversations that delved deep into the nuances of the industry. These discussions enriched our understanding and fuelled our commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical cannabis.

Our standout product, the medical cannabis inhaler/vape, captured the attention and imagination of the event’s attendees. Designed to provide a controlled and convenient method of medical cannabis consumption. It’s a testament to Oleo’s dedication to patient-centric innovation, and what truly sets this product apart is the integration of cutting-edge tracking technology.

By incorporating a connection that enables attending doctors to monitor consumption frequency and quantity, we’ve elevated the level of patient care and safety. This technology empowers medical professionals to ensure that patients adhere to prescribed doses while offering a mechanism to prevent misuse. The ability to remotely deactivate the device if the maximum prescribed dosage is exceeded shows our commitment to responsible usage and patient well-being.

Celebrating on the Banks of the Spree

Beyond the business aspect, Mary Jane Berlin offered a festive celebration of cannabis culture. Situated along the banks of the Spree River, the event’s location provided a picturesque backdrop for attendees to immerse themselves in the experience. Oleo was thrilled to contribute to this atmosphere by showcasing our innovation and joining in the spirit of celebration.

Looking Forward

As Oleo, we’re honoured to have been part of the Mary Jane Berlin event that unites the global cannabis community. The recognition and interest generated by our medical cannabis inhaler/vape serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. With every event, we’re not only showcasing our products but also sharing our vision for the future of medical cannabis. Read more about Oleo’s participation in the Yippy Green feature.

Oleo team @ Mary Jane
Oleo at Mary Jane, Berlin 2023
prescription for medical cannabis

Medical Cannabis Ireland: All about Medical Marijuana

Medical cannabis Ireland or Medical Marijuana is a broad term for cannabis-based medicine that is used to relieve symptoms of certain conditions. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different chemicals named cannabinoids, with each one producing a different effect on the endocannabinoid system in the body. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two main cannabinoids used in medicinal cannabis in Ireland.

How is Cannabis used Medically?

There is evidence to suggest medical cannabis can be helpful in the management of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain; spasticity; nausea and vomiting, particularly in the context of chemotherapy; and in the management of anxiety.

Further evidence also moderates evidence that medical cannabis can be beneficial in treating sleep disorders; appetite stimulation in the context of chemotherapy; fibromyalgia; post-traumatic stress disorder; and for some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

How does it help?

Medical cannabis treatment may help in several areas:

  • Ease pain.
  • Control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy for cancer.
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Epilepsy

Medical Cannabis Access Programme

In June 2019 the Minister for Health launched the Medical Cannabis Access Programme to be operational on a pilot basis for five years. The programme will help facilitate access to medicinal cannabis for suitable candidates.

The programme makes it possible for a consultant to prescribe medicinal cannabis for a number of conditions, where a patient has failed to respond to traditional pharmaceutical treatments.
Currently, three conditions qualify under the Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme.

  • Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
  • Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
  • Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy

The Medicinal Cannabis Access Programme is currently under review by the Department of Health.

Register as a Patient Today.

Difference between Marijuana and Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is prescribed by a consultant doctor who understands which product would be most medically beneficial for their patient. Marijuana or cannabis bought from unlicensed sources without a prescription is currently illegal in Ireland.

Hemp Vs. Marijuana Vs. CBD

Hemp , Marijuana and CBD all come from the same species, the Cannabis Sativa plant although variations can exist. The defining difference is their THC content. Hemp has a low THC volume, commonly below 0.3% THC meaning it does not produce the same psychoactive effect.

Hemp is ordinarily used for industrial purposes such as textiles but also produce CBD. Marijuana on the other hand is a high-THC variation of the Cannabis Sativa plant.

What are the common uses of Medical Cannabis?

The most common uses of medical cannabis in Ireland are limited to the three conditions listed above. Namely, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy.

Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy are common side effects of treatment. Medical cannabis for cancer patients has been shown to alleviate these symptoms. Considerable evidence demonstrates that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans. According to randomised research, medicinal cannabis is more effective than traditional medication for treating nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy.

Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.
Approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy have seizures that are resistant to antiepileptic medications. Traditionally CBD was seen as the most effective cannabinoid for drug-resistant epilepsy, although recent studies have found that for medical cannabis treatment for epilepsy “whole-plant medical cannabis products are superior to isolated CBD products in patients” and can result in a reduction in the frequency of seizures.

Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
60-84% of multiple sclerosis patients experience spasticity. When severe, it can be extremely challenging in terms of mobility. Studies have shown that cannabis treatment for multiple sclerosis can show an improvement in spasticity measures in over half of the patients treated. Research conducted with 279 people with MS in the UK showed the relief from muscle stiffness for those people taking the medical cannabis extract was “almost twice as high than with placebo.

Can I get a prescription for Medicinal Cannabis in Ireland?

Medical cannabis prescriptions are available in Ireland. To obtain a prescription, under the Medical Cannabis Access Programme, a consultant with specialist training in a specified medical condition may prescribe medicinal cannabis to their patient. Cannabis for medical use will only be prescribed once other treatments have failed. The Health Service has issued clinical guidelines to inform consultants.

How do I get a medical cannabis card?

Oleo launched its Medical Cannabis Card in November 2022. The Oleo Medical Cannabis Card will be the same size as other cards in your wallet. It will contain your photo and the details of your medical cannabis prescription including your Cannabis for Medical Use Register (CMUR) number. You can find all the details about the card and how to apply here.

How much Medical Cannabis will I be provided?

We cannot determine how much medicinal cannabis will be provided to the patient. This will be dependent on the patient’s condition and the severity of their symptoms. This aspect is best discussed with your consultant.

Different methods to consume Medical Marijuana

Depending on the medical marijuana product you are prescribed there are multiple ways to administer medicinal cannabis.

  • Inhalation: Inhaled cannabis may be the most well-known method of administration for medical cannabis flowers. The main benefit of inhaled cannabis is that the onset of action is practically quick, making it simple for a patient to titrate the dosage for maximal benefit. At Oleo we have developed our Panacea Inhaler which is available to patients prescribed medical cannabis under the Medical Cannabis Access Programme and is also available to buy on Amazon.
  • Sublingual: Sublingual delivery is another option for the administration of oil-based medical cannabis. Medical cannabis oil can have a rapid onset of action by being administered under the tongue or in the oral cavity. The patient feels the effects after a few minute. Other cannabis products may come in a spray bottle that can be sprayed directly into the mouth.
  • Tablet/ Pill format: Cannabinoids are soluble in fat, their absorption through the gut is slower and less predictable, depending on both the metabolism of the individual and the contents of the stomach. Determining an effective dose is more challenging, especially for the inexperienced patient, because the onset of the effect may take up to an hour to occur.

What will be the effects of Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis may aid with pain relief, nausea and vomiting control, inflammation reduction, and inflammation depending on the condition you are trying to treat. Medical cannabis may also interact with other treatments. It is best to discuss this with your Consultant.

Are there any side effects of Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis, like all medications, poses a risk of side effects. The type of medical cannabis product, the active chemicals (such as CBD, THC, or a combination), and individual differences can all have a significant impact on side effects. THC-containing products can impair driving and cognitive performance and produce sedation, anxiety, dizziness, appetite stimulation, and other symptoms. Although CBD rarely has significant negative effects on its own, it can change the effects of other prescribed drugs.

Will it Make me feel high?

In many cases, the answer to this is: only if you want to unless the dosage you need is quite high. The doses needed for medical purposes are often significantly lower than what is used recreationally. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in the first four weeks of exposure were dizziness, which occurs mainly during the initial period, and fatigue.

These reactions are usually mild to moderate and resolve within a few days even if treatment is continued.

What is THC? And how is it different from CBD?

THC, known by its scientific name, Tetrahydrocannabinol is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids identified on the plant.

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is the second most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD does not produce any psychoactive effect.

Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors. Although CBD and THC have similar chemical structures, they don’t both have the same psychoactive properties. While CBD is psychotropic, it does so differently than THC. It doesn’t result in a THC-related high. The brain’s cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors bind with THC. It results in a high or euphoric feeling. According to research, this high can be more intense if the THC is inhaled as opposed to consuming.

Is Using Medical Cannabis Legal in Ireland?

Prescribed medical cannabis is legal in Ireland. Cannabis obtained without a valid prescription will fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and will be deemed illegal. You can view a breakdown of the laws relating to illegal cannabis here.

Read our similar blog on: Is Medical Cannabis Legal in Ireland

Medical Cannabis Ireland

The availability of medical cannabis prescriptions is relatively new in Ireland. Nonetheless even in its infancy medical cannabis and related research have shown the potential benefits of medical cannabis for alleviating patients’ symptoms across a range of conditions.

The Medical Cannabis Access Programme is currently under review by the Department of Health. The Department of Health has commissioned an evidence review to access scientific research on the efficiency and safety of cannabis-based treatments for a range of conditions The initial stage of the review has been completed. A clinical group will now be convened to access this evidence and provide guidance on any amendments to the Medical Cannabis Access Programme. This is expected early in the new year.

Research Links:

https://bedrocan.com/wp-content/uploads/medical-cannabis-in-patients-with-chronic-pain-poli_2018.pdf8-0-323-54947-9

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24778283/

https://bedrocan.com/wp-content/uploads/adding-medical-cannabis-to-standard-analgesic-treatment-giorgi_2020.pdf

Is Cannabis legal in Ireland?

Is weed legal in Ireland is one of the most asked questions. Even though cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs in Ireland, many people are still in the dark when it comes to knowledge about this plant. Cannabis has been illegal in Ireland for almost a century. However, in recent years, public opinion towards cannabis has dramatically changed towards a more positive opinion.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant genus with three varieties, Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis. Many parts of the plant can be used for recreational, therapeutic and/or medical purposes. When the flowers of these plants are harvested and dried what you are left with is the most widely used drug in the world.

Are weed and cannabis the same?

The terms people use to refer to cannabis can vary widely depending on geographical location. It can be called many names such as marijuana, pot or weed, and are all used to describe the cannabis plant. From a medical standpoint, it is important to refer to it by its correct name, cannabis, to bolster its legitimacy as a medicine and to help combat the societal stigma that is still associated with cannabis.

What is cannabis used for?

Cannabis and different strains of the cannabis plant can be used across a wide variety of sectors. Cannabis can be used as animal feed, textiles, food supplements, used in religious and spiritual ceremonies and most importantly medicine. Interest in medical cannabis has increased over the last number of decades, and today, scientists have discovered over 100 different cannabinoids that may have medicinal properties.

The most researched and known cannabinoids are THC, CBD and CBC. Cannabinoids work by activating cannabinoid receptors in the human body. These receptors are the key components of the human endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in the central nervous system.

Cannabis Laws: A Brief History of the legality of Cannabis

The earliest mention of cannabis in Irish history refers to hemp cultivation. In 1809 the man referred to as the father of medicinal cannabis, William O’Shaughnessy was born in Co. Limerick. Having studied toxicology and chemistry in Scotland, he later travelled to India and became a member of the Medical and Physical Society in Calcutta. There he published one of his first papers on medical applications of cannabis. He validated the uses of cannabis in India, discovered new applications, and ultimately recommended cannabis for a great variety of therapeutic purposes.

Following his research cannabis was widely used across the western world as a medical treatment for a range of conditions. In 1934 the Irish Government passed the Dangerous Drug Act which prohibited cannabis in Ireland. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 continued the prohibition of cannabis as a scheduled drug.

This prohibition continued until it was challenged. In 2016 Vera Twomey began a battle for medical cannabis access for her daughter Ava. Ava was born with a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet’s Syndrome and would have multiple seizures daily. Vera was one of the first people to be granted a Ministerial Licence to import cannabis to Ireland.

Due to the lack of any medical cannabis legislation in Ireland at the time, Vera was permitted to travel to the Netherlands every month to obtain medical cannabis and bring it back to Ireland. In 2020 due to covid restrictions, the Irish Government permitted medical cannabis to be delivered to her home.

Tristian Forde, a 3-year-old boy, was forced to relocate to Colorado with his mother Yvonne so they could access medical cannabis for Tristian’s epilepsy. After a year of treatment and a dramatic reduction in seizures, Tristen came home to Ireland in December 2016 A few days later he became one of the first people to obtain a Ministerial Licence for medical cannabis.

Is Weed Legal in Ireland 2022

Cannabis containing THC is currently illegal in Ireland. As a medical patient, you may be permitted to obtain a prescription for medical cannabis under either the MCAP programme or a Ministerial Licence.  Cannabis obtained without a prescription remains illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

CBD, another cannabinoid in cannabis is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is not subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act, nor does it require a license or prescription. Cannabis for recreational use is illegal.

Is it legal to smoke weed in Ireland?

Smoking cannabis recreationally is illegal in Ireland. For medical patients smoking cannabis is not recommended as the optimal intake method.

Is it legal to vape weed in Ireland?

It Is recommended that patients who chose inhalation as the method of administration of medical cannabis should use a dry herb vaporiser for flower products.

Is it legal to grow weed in Ireland?

Cannabis cultivation for medical purposes is illegal in Ireland and no licences have been given to date for this activity.  Cannabis cultivation licenses can be awarded by the Minister for Health for analysis and research purposes by the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The Legality of Cannabis Vs. CBD Vs. Hemp

Industrial Hemp can be grown in Ireland, again under a licence that can be obtained from the Health Products Regulatory Authority. There has been an increase in interest in CBD/Hemp farming over the last number of years, with more licences being awarded every year.

Industrial hemp can be legally grown in Ireland under a licence from the Department of Health for a range of uses, including fibre, food and feed. The varieties of hemp permitted are listed in the EU’s ‘Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species.

What happens if you are caught with weed Illegally?

Anyone found in possession of cannabis may find themselves in receipt of a criminal conviction. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 states a person may receive a criminal conviction, a fine or imprisonment for possession of cannabis.

More recently the Adult Caution Scheme was expanded to include personal possession of cannabis. If the Garda determines the individual should avoid criminal prosecution, they may issue a caution. This scheme is based on Gardai discretion and does not apply in every case.

What about medical cannabis?

There may be a possibility that your medical cannabis will be confiscated if you cannot illustrate that it has been legally supplied. Up until now, many patients have resorted to carrying a copy of their prescription with them as proof.

Oleo recently launched the Medical Cannabis Card to aid patients in this regard. It contains your name, photo and your Cannabis for Medical Use Register (CMUR) number. Carrying proof of your prescription can inform the Gardai that the substance is not illegal and avoid confiscation.

Learn more about Cannabis here: Medical Cannabis Ireland

Political Parties View on Cannabis

The Green Party’s manifesto titled “Towards 2030” shows the party is committed to reform. They state. “A more compassionate policy based on international best practice can be introduced within existing constraints under international law.” The manifesto also promotes reform with a proposal for Amsterdam-style coffee shops.

The Social Democrats are also committed to reform. Their manifesto “Invest in Better” states the Party believes a “health-based approach, with a focus on harm-reduction and prevention based on international best practice”, is needed.

Fine Gael describes itself as the party of law and order. Their recent manifesto “A Future to Look Forward To”  states they are committed to utilising “key law enforcement strategies to protect people from the harm of illegal drugs.”

Fianna Fáil does not go in-depth with their stance. They simply state “Examine the regulations and legislation that apply to cannabis use for medical conditions and palliative care.”

People Before Profit are one of the few parties to have a dedicated drug policy strategy. They consistently advocate for the expansion of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme to include other conditions such as chronic pain. They also advocate for full cannabis regulation.

Sinn Féin does not mention medical cannabis in their manifesto. Although they do state that “Treatment and rehabilitation strategies will go hand in hand with recovery initiatives that will help to support people in recovery. Sinn Féin supports a holistic approach.”

Can you Fly or Travel with Cannabis in Ireland?

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 regulates any product infused with THC. If you are visiting Ireland, it is illegal for you to import or carry controlled substances (drugs) into Ireland. You must be prescribed medical cannabis under the current schemes either MCAP or Ministerial Licence to be permitted cannabis in Ireland.

How do I Qualify for Medical Cannabis?

Find out if you qualify for the Medical Cannabis Access Programme here.

There are currently two ways to access medical cannabis in Ireland.

Ministerial Licence, the Minister for Health has the power to grant a licence to an Irish-registered medical practitioner (e.g., GP) for access to cannabis-based products for a named patient under their care.   For the minister to approve an application it must be supported by a specialist consultant. There are no specified conditions to qualify for a Ministerial Licence.

Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP), The MCAP enables a medical consultant to prescribe a cannabis-based treatment for a patient under his or her care for the following medical conditions, where the patient has failed to respond to standard treatments: spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.

If you wish to learn more in detail about the following conditions, please check out our blogs below:

Register as a Patient

You can view our detailed blog on Medical Cannabis Access Programme

Conclusion

If you are considering consuming cannabis in Ireland, it is important to know that cannabis is only permitted for those who carry a valid Irish Medical Cannabis Prescription.

Medical Cannabis Access Programe

Dublin man becomes first patient in Ireland to be prescribed medicinal cannabis

In November 2021, Ryan Gorman (26) was the first patient in Ireland to be granted a prescription for medical cannabis through the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP).  Ryan has an aggressive form of epilepsy as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder.  He received the high CBD, low THC formula which is approved by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), making it free of charge.

Ryan’s father and full-time carer, Brendan Gorman spoke with BusinessCann and shared his joy on this major milestone:

“For those people out there that have been waiting so anxiously to see when I’m gonna get access to it, finally the day has arrived. It can only be described as wonderful news, and hopefully, the benefits will be there for everybody,” he said.

“It’s not about being first or being last or in the middle. What is important is that if it becomes accessible, and the barriers are broken down, it’s almost like the Berlin Wall, one goes through then the rest will follow.”

Health Minster Stephan Donnelly announced in July 2021 that medical consultants can register themselves and their patients to the MCAP through the HSE.  Patients will need to be registered before they can be prescribed cannabis-based products.  Minister Donnelly said when announcing the start of the programme:  “Today is a significant step forward in the ongoing delivery of the MCAP.

“This step forward will greatly assist patients who, under the supervision of their consultant, need to avail of medicinal cannabis products to alleviate the effects of their severe medical conditions.

“I now hope the programme continues to go on and grow and expand further, to best meet the needs of patients and families around Ireland.”

Under MCAP only a consultant can prescribe medical cannabis where conventional treatment has failed.  A poll carried out by Red C on behalf of The Journal early last year found that only 4 per cent of people were opposed to the use of medical cannabis.  Almost 1,000 adults across Ireland took part in the survey,  they weighted to be an accurate profile of the population.

The programme is only available to patients with the following medical conditions: spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and treatment-resistant epilepsy.

 

The endocannabinoid system and the revolution of one | Rachel Knox | TEDxPortland

DR. RACHEL KNOX, MD, MBA

Dr. Rachel Knox, MD, MBA is a cannabinoid medicine specialist and clinical endocannabinologist who received her medical and business degrees from Tufts School of Medicine after completing her undergraduate studies at Duke. She trained in family and integrative medicine before pursuing additional study in the areas of functional medicine, cannabinology, and endocannabinology.

Along with her family, Dr. Rachel founded Doctors Knox, Inc., American Cannabinoid Clinics, and Pivital Edu to advance education in cannabinoid medicine and in the clinical care of the endocannabinoidome.

Dr. Rachel is also a policy and regulatory consultant on cannabis and psychedelics, and her commitment to reform extends into educating communities of color about the roles cannabis, psychedelics, and other plant medicines can play in addressing the Minority Health Disparity Gap, and the broader way in which these plants can impact the total wellbeing of these communities through health equity.

She is co-founder and president of the Cannabis Health Equity Movement™ (CHEM), and chair of the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM) and CHEM Allyance. She serves her home state of Oregon as the immediate past chair of the Oregon Cannabis Commission, member of Portland’s Cannabis Policy Oversight Team, member of Oregon’s Psilocybin Advisory Board, and board member for NuLeaf PDX; and also sits on several national boards including Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition (CRCC), Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR), Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine (AACM), and US Cannabis Council.

 

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop