Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

Cannabis is a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Its cultivation, supply and possession is prohibited and unlawful in Ireland, except for the purposes of research.

Cannabis continues to be the most widely abused drug in Ireland and it is not the intention of Government to legalise its use. The Government has strong concerns that legalisation of cannabis use would be likely to lead to increased levels of experimentation with drugs, particularly by young people. Cannabis is also known to be a gateway drug, which facilitates individuals moving on to other dangerous drugs.

Cannabis misuse is detrimental to health, and significant physical and mental health risks are particularly associated with long-term use. In addition, as Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan has noted, cannabis users are also exposed to health risks associated with contaminants in cannabis products, such as chemicals, pesticides, bacteria and grit weed. Grit weed contamination occurs where microscopic glass beads are sprayed onto cannabis plant to give the impression that the cannabis is of good quality. The Forensic Science Laboratory has not found grit weed contamination in samples of cannabis seized on the streets in recent times.

It is a criminal offence for a person to import, export, produce, supply or possess cannabis. Possession and supply are subject to serious criminal sanctions of: up to seven years imprisonment and-or a fine for unlawful possession, and up to a maximum period on indictment of life imprisonment for unlawful supply.

Cannabis is illegal in this State as its use is harmful to human health. Contamination of cannabis with adulterants such as grit weed only increases the health risks associated with cannabis use.

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