Ireland has moved a step closer to allowing doctors to prescribe drugs that include cannabis.
The Department of Health has published draft laws which would allow doctors to prescribe cannabis-based drugs for medicinal reasons.
The proposal is mainly being considered so that doctors can prescribe Sativex, a well-known drug with cannabis extracts.
The drug is already widely available in the EU and aimed at relieving pain caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer and other conditions.
Campaigners for medicial marijuana have welcomed the proposals but want them to go further - and believe cannabis is most effective as a method of pain relief when allowed in its 'pure' form.
Other proposals in the draft laws include new penalties for people caught smuggling benzodiazpines and other powerful prescription drugs.
In recent years a major black market has emerged for the powerful sedatives.
The Department of Health is seeking public input on the proposals, and is accepting submissions until the end of the month.
