Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ireland to consider decriminalising marijuana

'We need to have a proper discussion'

Christopher Hooton
Friday 24 April 2015 16:32 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ireland this week appointed a new Minister of State with Responsibility for Drug Strategy, and his first task will be to examine whether drug laws need to be relaxed.

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin will raise the issue in the Dáil as the current National Drugs Strategy expires next year.

"I believe someone who has an addiction issue should be dealt with through the health system and not the criminal justice system," echoing the sentiments of Barack Obama.

"I think people – guards, the prison service – will probably agree with me on that. We have an opportunity through the legislation that is forthcoming the Misuse of Drugs Act to investigate that."

He was quick to point out there is a big difference between decriminalisation and legalisation, but suggested that the latter will also be discussed.

"I am going to mark any hard calls on that but the difference between decriminalisation and legalisation is quite different," he said.

"We need to have a proper discussion before we set off alarm bells in people’s heads."

He better be careful with the legislation either way, earlier in the year Ireland managed to accidentally legalise ecstasy, ketamine and more for 24 hours.

@christophhooton

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in