An Oireachtas Committee dedicated to tackling the future of Ireland’s drug legislation has recommended to The Government that Ireland partially legalise cannabis through ‘Cannabis Clubs’ across the country.

The committee found that personal possession of all drugs should be decriminalised and Ireland’s approach to drug use should pivot towards a health-led approach. This follows the Citizen’s Assembly on Drugs which made 36 recommendations to the Dáil in January, calling for a radical overhaul of drug policy.

Although criminalising the supply of drugs was widely accepted to stay, Chairperson of the committee, Gino Kelly TD, introduced the possibility of having cannabis clubs in Ireland. The model would follow the likes of Spain and would see cannabis sold legally on a not-for-profit basis.

“We’re looking at regulating the cannabis market, rather than criminalising people for simple cannabis possession,” said TD Kelly.

A reform to Gardaí powers regarding stop and search also was recommended to target racial and social profiling and improve relations with authorities. 75% of drug cases before the criminal courts are for simple possession, with this new initiative hoping to keep people out of already overcrowded prisons and give them a second chance.

An emphasis on decriminalising the person and not the drug has been at the backbone of these calls for reform. “The negative effects of drug use impacts all of society but disproportionately affects already disadvantaged groups and communities. It is time for a change in how drug use is treated in Ireland and the committee hopes its recommendations will help with this change.” TD Kelly added.

16 European countries have already made the decision to decriminalise cannabis possession.

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