Around 4 in 10 people are now in favour of legalising cannabis for recreational and medicinal use.
Cannabis advocates feel the time is right for it to happen, while health experts have expressed concern.
What a cruel and heartless system we have. In court for €4 worth of cannabis for pain relief. Wrong wrong wrong.https://t.co/tPpeVElQ77
— Owen Hanley (@OwenHanleyLives) May 16, 2021
Almost 4 In 10 In Favour Of Legalisation
At the moment, if Gardaí find someone in possession of cannabis - the person can receive an adult caution or face prosecution.
Depending on previous offences, this can lead to a €2,500 fine or jail time.
This new Journal.ie and Red C survey shows 39% of respondents want cannabis legalised for recreational and also medicinal use.
MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan says allowing recreational use would hit criminal's pockets hard:
"They would lose hundreds of millions of Euros."
For the record this is €4 worth of cannabis. Its 0.24g. This is what Mr. Lee was brought to court for. Time for politicians to step up to drug reform and change this damaging and broken system.
Story: https://t.co/SHV97dv7Fc pic.twitter.com/NXPIAFZekL— Owen Hanley (@OwenHanleyLives) May 16, 2021
However Doctor Says It's Not Safe
However, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland says potency of cannabis doubled between 2006 to 2016.
The number of hospital admissions of young people with a cannabis-related diagnosis rose by 300% between 2005 and 2017;
Dr Gerry McCarthy says it is not safe:
"Extreme paranoia, behavioural disturbances, hallucinations."
"They're quite significant because they can be quite resistant to medication."
"We also have people being admitted to hospital due to self harm and suicidal ideation."
Men and those in living in urban areas are more likely to be in favour of legalising cannabis for recreational use.