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In-Depth Coverage Of The Irish And European Markets

Writer's pictureNatalie O Regan

Committee Recommends a Not-For-Profit Cannabis Market



As Ireland heads towards a potential general election in the coming weeks, drug policy reform is firmly in the spotlight. The Justice Committee on Drug Use has just released an interim report reflecting key recommendations from the recent Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use. This report outlines a progressive drug policy approach centred around decriminalisation, a regulated cannabis market, improved access to health services, and changes to stop-and-search practices. These recommendations are set to play a significant role in shaping the future debate.


Decriminalisation of Personal Possession

The most notable recommendation in the Committee's report is the proposal to repeal Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Removing this section would decriminalise the personal possession of drugs, marking a significant shift away from criminal penalties. This measure aligns with the broader harm-reduction approach advocated by the Citizens' Assembly, focusing on health and social services rather than punitive responses.


Not-for-Profit Cannabis Market

Another key recommendation is the exploration of a regulated, not-for-profit cannabis market. The report suggests that the Departments of Health and Justice conduct research into how a regulated market for cannabis could operate in Ireland, drawing on experiences from countries such as Spain and Germany. This proposal builds on the 2022 report from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, which also recommended reforming our approach to cannabis by introducing a regulated market.


The Committee has also called for the expansion of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP), ensuring that patients suffering from chronic illnesses can access cannabis when other treatments have been ineffective. This further highlights the growing recognition of cannabis' therapeutic potential.


Diversion and Health-Based Support

Addressing the contentious issue of diversionary measures, the Committee firmly rejected the idea of mandatory health referrals for individuals caught with drugs. Instead, they emphasised the need for well-funded, community-based services, and outreach focusing on harm reduction. The report stresses that most drug users are not problematic, and mandatory treatment risks perpetuating stigma. Voluntary access to health resources, without criminal consequences, is seen as a more effective strategy.


Stop-and-Search Reform

The report also tackles the issue of stop-and-search practices under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Evidence presented to the Committee highlighted the disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities in such practices. Similar trends have been seen in the UK, where Black people are stopped and searched at higher rates despite similar drug use levels to white people. The Committee heard how these encounters are often traumatic, particularly for young people.


The Committee recommends that legislative reform, rather than incremental policy changes, is needed to address these issues. By removing Section 3 from the Misuse of Drugs Act, stop-and-search powers could be curbed, reducing unnecessary police contact with communities. This aligns with evidence from the US, where decriminalisation and regulation have resulted in fewer police interactions.


The release of this interim report ensures that drug policy reform will remain a key issue in the upcoming election. The recommendations reflect a shift in Ireland’s approach, moving towards a more compassionate, health-focused model. By focusing on harm reduction, decriminalisation, and the regulation of cannabis, the Committee’s report signals a future where drug use is treated as a health issue, not a criminal one. As election day nears, it remains to be seen how political parties will respond to these proposals and how they may shape Ireland’s drug policies moving forward.

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