Announced as the Minister of State with Responsibility for Drugs Strategy, Aodhan O'Riordain TD has said that he's open to decriminalising cannabis.
Minister O'Riordain said that the National Drugs Strategy, which is due to expire next year, is up for review.
"I believe someone who has an addiction issue should be dealt with through the health system and not the criminal justice system."
"I think people - guards, the prison service - will probably agree with me on that. We have an opportunity through the legislation that is forthcoming, the Misuse of Drugs Act, to investigate that."
The Minister, however, was keen to point out that full legalisation is not on the cards.
So what exactly is the difference between decriminalisation and legalisation?
Legalisation means that any and all legal barrier to purchasing cannabis are removed. It may be regulated in a similar manner to, say, alcohol or cigarettes. However, it would carry no criminal implications for those who sell it and those who buy it.
Decriminalisation would lessen charges against casual users, meaning that anyone caught in possession of insignificant amounts of cannabis would be subject to a summary penalty and not face criminal charges in a traditional court.
The US has, in recent months, legalised cannabis / marijuana in Colorado, Alaska and Washington. Oregon is currently awaiting legalisation whilst Washington DC has legalised personal use, but not commercial sale.
However, Holland has recently introduced laws that would see tourists banned from cannabis cafes and have enacted a prohibition against hallucinogenics, such as magic mushrooms.
What do you think? Is decriminalisation the way forward for Ireland or should the law remain as is?
Via IrishTimes.com
