With the 2024 General Election fast approaching on November 29th, cannabis reform and drug policy have emerged as central issues in political debates for the first time in Ireland's history. Public opinion has shifted significantly over the past five years, with increasing support for progressive reform. This surge in awareness has been driven by major milestones, including the Citizen Assembly on Drug Use and the interim report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drug Policy, both of which strongly advocate for decriminalisation and regulation.
As the parties unveil their manifestos, their commitments (or lack thereof) to cannabis reform are under the microscope. Here's how each of Ireland's major political parties stands on the issue.
Fianna Fáil: Mixed Signals on Reform
Fianna Fáil's manifesto commits to decriminalising personal drug possession and exploring cannabis regulation, but the details remain murky. The party promises to prepare a "national position on cannabis regulation" and advocates mandatory treatment or education for those caught in possession of drugs.
However, this approach has sparked criticism for perpetuating the stigma surrounding drug use. Mandatory programmes have been widely criticised by experts and the Oireachtas Committee for being ineffective and counterproductive, as they risk framing drug use as inherently criminal or shameful.
While Fianna Fáil initially pledged to decriminalise all drugs, internal tensions with coalition partner Fine Gael have resulted in contradictory clarifications. At one point, the party suggested decriminalising cannabis alone, before reverting to its broader position. Medical cannabis is notably absent from their manifesto.
Fine Gael: Status Quo and Tough on Crime
As expected, Fine Gael leans heavily on its “law-and-order” narrative. Their manifesto avoids cannabis altogether and instead focuses on combating drug use through increased enforcement, investment in addiction services, and CCTV expansion to tackle "anti-social behaviour."
Fine Gael's rhetoric conflates drug use with criminality, perpetuating outdated stereotypes. While they pledge to maintain a “health-led approach,” their proposals, such as mobile injecting centres, stop short of any meaningful reform. Medical cannabis is not mentioned in their plans.
Sinn Féin: Cautious and Conservative
Sinn Féin’s manifesto was met with disappointment by advocates of drug reform. It avoids cannabis regulation altogether and focuses instead on community addiction strategy.
The party supports decriminalising minor possession and implementing health-led interventions but offers little clarity on how these measures would work in practice. Their reluctance to address cannabis regulation reflects a cautious, conservative approach, despite supporting the recommendations of the Citizen Assembly in principle.
Medical cannabis gets only a brief mention in Sinn Féin's health policy, where they pledge to review the current Medical Cannabis Access Programme.
Green Party: Advocates of Regulation
The Green Party stands out for its progressive stance. Their manifesto includes commitments to decriminalise all drugs for personal use and legislate for a regulated cannabis market. The Greens also propose introducing drug-checking facilities, safe consumption rooms, and prioritising harm reduction.
Additionally, they call for direct engagement with drug users and marginalised communities, ensuring these voices are included in policy-making. Despite their strong record on drug reform, medical cannabis is surprisingly absent from their proposals.
Labour Party: Strong Support for Decriminalisation
Labour’s manifesto takes a bold approach by promising to repeal Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. They also propose a health-led model, a new National Drugs Strategy, and to "act on the recommendations of both the Citizen Assembly and the Oireachtas Committee."
Labour is the only party explicitly advocating to repeal legislation criminalising drug possession, marking them as a standout on this issue. However, there is no mention of medical cannabis in their manifesto.
People Before Profit: Radical and Comprehensive
People Before Profit are long-standing champions of drug reform and cannabis regulation. Their manifesto promises immediate cannabis legalisation, not-for-profit cannabis social clubs, and expanded funding for drug and alcohol task forces.
They emphasise addressing the root causes of drug addiction—poverty, trauma, and social exclusion—and propose a state-run distribution service to prevent corporate monopolisation. Medical cannabis expansion is also a priority, with a focus on patient access and public health education.
Social Democrats: Balancing Decriminalisation and Research
The Social Democrats propose decriminalising personal drug possession and examining the possibility of legalising and regulating cannabis. Their manifesto also advocates for improved drug education and harm reduction measures, including better prevention campaigns.
While they acknowledge the socio-economic factors behind drug use, detail on how these would be addressed is lacking.
Your Vote Matters
The 2024 General Election marks a turning point for cannabis reform and drug policy in Ireland. While some parties, like the Greens, Labour, and People Before Profit, embrace progressive change, others, such as Fine Gael and Sinn Féin, appear more cautious or resistant to reform. Many parties reiterate a "health-led" approach or call for ending criminalisation but do not make it clear what this entails. It could range from an adult caution scheme which is currently in operation and failing, to mandatory health referrals, clarity on the finer details is very much lacking from all parties.
The recommendations of the Citizen Assembly and Oireachtas Committee provide a clear roadmap for change, but it remains to be seen whether Ireland’s next government will follow through. Voters now have the power to demand action and accountability on this critical issue. As election day approaches, it’s up to the Irish people to decide whether their leaders will embrace progress or cling to the past.
Your vote matters—use it to make your voice heard.
Note: Multiple parties were contacted to ask for their cannabis policy and topics such as decriminalisation, Section 3 of the Misuse Of Drugs Act, Medical Cannabis, and cannabis regulation. Most parties replied with their stance or simply sent a copy of their manifesto.
A list of contacted parties below who have not replied and have no visible policy available online.
Independent Ireland
Aontú
Irelands First
National Party
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