FG TD open to cannabis decriminalisation
Clare politician Joe Carey stressed he was not backing full legalisation of the drug after he asked constituents for their views via his Facebook page.
The move was prompted by a Dáil bid by Independent TD Luke “Ming” Flanagan to regulate production and supply of cannabis and allow people to cultivate up to six plants at home.
Mr Carey told his Facebook followers that he was “open to the model of decriminalisation in Portugal” where the use of small amounts of cannabis for personal use has effectively been decriminalised for more than a decade.
Despite his views, Mr Carey said he would back the Government’s stance to kill off Mr Flanagan’s bill, but backed use for medical purposes such as combating MS.
Launching his attempt to legalise the drug, deputy Flanagan cited moves by US states like Washington and parts of Australia to allow cannabis use as proof that attitudes are changing across the world.
Mr Flanagan, who said he was wearing a suit made out of hemp, insisted it was time to accept realities about cannabis use.
The TD said the Government needs to regulate cannabis production and use. He intends to introduce a Cannabis Regulation Bill to provide for cannabis for recreational and medicinal use, and a cannabis regulation authority to regulate cultivation sale and marketing of cannabis.
Such a new regime would allow for a grower’s licence for home cultivation of up to six plants.
Changes would allow for cannabis social clubs which could supply members with not-for-profit cannabis.
Junior health minister Alex White said that Mr Flanagan had ignored the medical risks posed by cannabis use.
I will speak in the Dáil on the Regulation of Cannabis at 7:30. Will post a YouTube link here after 9pm #cannabisregulationbill
— Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (@lukeming) November 5, 2013
"Who is Nidge out of Love/Hate accountable to? He's certainly not accountable to a #Dáil select committee." @lukeming on his cannabis motion
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) November 5, 2013
Tonight Dáil debates legalising cannabis @ 7.30pm @lukeming - http://t.co/zyoCK0u31N #cannabisregulationbill #normlife
— NORMLIRELAND (@NORMLIRELAND) November 5, 2013
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