Barry Ward (Fine Gael)
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That gives rise to another difficulty. I do not think anybody is suggesting that cannabis or any other drugs are good for people. The argument is that the consequences of cannabis use are worse for people than the damage the drug does to society or individuals. Do we really want to promote a situation whereby the State is sponsoring the distribution of a substance we know is not good for people? I am sure the witnesses could give me a list of other products that are equally damaging. Alcohol is the obvious example. Even products containing sugar can be dangerous.