Cannabis report: There is merit in decriminalising cannabis but really it should be regulated – TD

Gino Kenny says prohibition is enriching criminals, while people using marijuana as medicine are being criminalised

Gino Kenny TD says he does not trivialise the adverse effects cannabis has on some people, but advocates for proper regulation, and taking users out of the criminal justice system. File Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

In a number of recent court cases, medicinal use has been claimed as a defence for possession of cannabis.

These included the case of John Montaine in Clare. The partner of Independent TD Violet-Anne Wynne, Mr Montaine was fined €100 after a guilty plea was entered on his behalf to a charge of illegal possession of cannabis at the family home in 2021.