Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

The contamination or adulteration found involved the use of crushed grass particles or grass micro-beads. Some evidence of this was found in 2007 and 2008 but recent testing has revealed no evidence of these materials. The Government's main concern relates to the physical and mental health effects of the long-term use of cannabis which have been associated with lung and throat cancer but clear links have also been established between cannabis use and the development of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression.

International literature shows that the increasing number of persons presenting for drug treatment owing to cannabis-related problems is linked with increasing cannabis potency and contamination. It is claimed that more potent forms of cannabis are associated with higher risks of adverse health consequences. It is interesting to note that the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are moving to reclassify the stronger form of cannabis as a class A drug. In the case of the latter, evidence indicates that the liberalisation of the law has resulted in a significant increase in drug tourism. The Dutch authorities are moving to close this off.

Our principal concern which it is legitimate to have relates to the physical and mental health implications of the long-term use of cannabis. For this reason, there is no intention of decriminalising the use of cannabis.

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