TD Gino Kenny announced that PBP (People Before Profit) would be using their private members time on the 31st January to debate the Misuse of Drugs (Cannabis Regulation) Bill 2022 which would decriminalise possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use.
The bill is being brought to the Dáil in the wake of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use report which recommends decriminalisation of certain drugs.
Speaking on the bill, Deputy Kenny said: “This bill to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is a moderate bill but is one that would modernise the way in which Ireland deals with drugs- specifically cannabis in this case. The Citizens’ Assembly has recommended the decriminalisation of certain drugs including cannabis as part of a move to look at drugs under a health led approach as opposed to a criminal justice approach.
“The criminalisation of the individual for possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use has been a failed policy. It is a policy that has wasted the time of the Gardaí, the courts, and the criminal justice system- as well as negatively impacted the lives of people who are charged with possession of small amounts of cannabis.
“This bill seeks to bring Ireland in line with other nations and states who have taken a progressive approach to the way we view drug use. I am calling on all members of the Dáil and the government to pass this bill.”
People Before Profit representative for Clondalkin Darragh Adelaide commented: “As a young person I feel that there is a real need to change the law when it comes to cannabis. In the area that I’m from young people are often the targets of stop-and-search by the Gardaí. Sometimes very small amounts of cannabis can lead to repercussions for someone that follows them their whole life.
“It would be far better if resources were spent on local drugs projects and youth services, all of which have had severe funding cuts since the recession.”
