John Gilroy (Labour)

This morning, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs published a report entitled The Potency of THC in Cannabis Products. One of the main findings of this report shows that illegally grown cannabis in Ireland contains higher concentrations of the psychoactive element than imported illegal drugs. I call for a debate on this issue. It is important that those people who promote the use of cannabis, including people in the Dáil who promote it as a harmless or fun activity, read this report and before making further irresponsible contributions, take advice from the experts. This advice indicates that increased concentrated levels are associated with a higher incidence of addiction, mental illness and suicide. Those people who promote cannabis use would do well to factor this into their argument before speaking in public.