Irish parliamentary committee calls for decriminalization of drugs and creation of Cannabis Social Clubs

Formed to respond to calls from the Citizens' Assembly for drug policy reform, an Oireachtas committee, the Irish parliament, urges the government to introduce a limited form of cannabis legalization on a basis non-profit.

Cannabis Social Clubs and medical cannabis

Among the various suggestions in the commission's report is the introduction of Cannabis Clubs. These clubs would allow their members to cultivate cannabis for personal use, on a non-profit basis. Members would have limited quantities of cannabis available within the club, similar to what is already done in Spain, Malta, or Germany. This framework would offer a controlled and community-based approach, according to the report. cannabis legalization, while ensuring that profits are not a determining factor.

The proposal starts from the fact that punitive measures for drug consumption are not effective in addressing public health issues. According to Gino Kenny, chairman of the committee « People Before Profit», cannabis clubs could serve as a springboard for broader legalization.

Gino Kenny stressed the importance of implementing a approach to drug policy health-focused, thus echoing to the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly. He hopes future governments will prioritize decriminalization and adopt a health-centered approach to drug use.

In addition to the recreational cannabis reform, the committee requested the expansion of Medical cannabis access program, so that more people suffering from chronic diseases have access to medical marijuana.

The current system, although functional, is considered too restrictive, limiting the availability of medical cannabis to a restricted number of conditions.

Drug decriminalization

The committee's report goes beyond cannabis and recommends a decriminalization plus large de la possession de drogues pour usage personnel. Il préconise l’abrogation de l’ ’article 3 Misuse of Drugs Act 1997, which currently criminalizes possession.

Visit removing criminal sanctions For personal drug use, Ireland would move towards a model focused on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment. The ultimate goal is to prioritize public health over criminal justice in the fight against drug addiction and drug abuse, a model supported by Irish healthcare professionals.

The report calls for global investment in Addiction services, with more access to Opioid substitution therapies, and to remedy the methadone shortage.

The commission also highlighted the need for an «urgent expansion» of supervised injection sites across all of Ireland. These centers offer a safe environment for consumers drugs under medical supervision, thereby reducing the risk of overdose and the spread of infectious diseases. The commission suggests that these centers be given priority in urban centers, where drug-related harm is most frequent.

Another recommendation is to make it available over-the-counter in pharmacies naloxone, a life-saving medication that can stop opioid overdoses. The commission also recommends expanding programs for’needle exchange, essential for reducing the transmission of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C among drug users.