Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council meeting of 12 December 2017 (FOI)

​Request

I know the Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council (MDAC) met on Tuesday 12 December 2017 with regards to finalising their approved list of medical cannabis products, could I please have a copy of the minutes of this meeting.

I know from speaking with MDAC chair Brian Heath a letter is soon to be presented to the Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Andrew Green, with its recommendations. If possible I would appreciate a copy of this too please and / or a full breakdown of what was contained.

Response

A copy of the letter from the Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council (MDAC) Chair to the Minister for Health and Social Services is provided. Also included is a note of clarification from the Chief Pharmacist regarding personal importation of cannabis-based products by individuals.

MDAC Letter to Minister HSS - Medicinal Cannabis

The minutes of 12 December 2017 will not be provided at this time as they have not yet been approved by the meeting and the MDAC considers that the information is exempt under Article 35 (Formulation and development of policies) of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011.

We have considered the public interest and believe that on balance, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. It is acknowledged that the public has an interest in the decisions made relating to Cannabis, however, as an advisory council to Government it is important that MDAC members feel able to openly discuss contentious issues in a safe space without fear of excessive scrutiny or reprisal.

Exemption applied

Article 35 - Formulation and development of policies

Information is qualified exempt information if it relates to the formulation or development of any proposed policy by a public authority.