A FORENSIC scientist who was fined for making cannabis oil to treat his own pain is to bring a legal challenge in the European courts.

John Anderson (59) is appealing a conviction handed down at Sligo District Court for possession of cannabis.

THE legal use of cannabis in medicines is to be introduced next year.

The Irish Independent has learned that the Department of Health is bringing in legislation to legalise medicinal cannabis.

The move follows applications from drugs companies to sell cannabis-based medicines in Ireland.

A LONG-TERM cancer sufferer who used cannabis to relieve pain yesterday walked free from court.

Jacqueline Corris of Connolly Villas, Ennis, Co Clare, had pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing and cultivating cannabis plants contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The Department of Health has said it hopes to bring forward legislative proposals later this year, or early in 2013, to allow cannabis-based medicinal products to be prescribed in Ireland.

The Department said that notwithstanding the reluctance to loosen current controls on cannabis generally, its expert clinical advice is that the cannabis-based drug Sativex, "is a valid treatment option".

A MAN who pleaded guilty to a drugs offence has had his conviction quashed and been released from prison because of controversial comments made by a judge at his trial.

Outspoken judge Sean MacBride -- who has previously described himself as the "Dirty Harry" of the Irish judicial system -- was accused of "exceeding his jurisdiction" during the sentencing hearing of Kevin Murphy at Cavan District Court last April.