‘High’-mindedness about the use of cannabis is counterproductive

LUKE MING FLANAGAN won’t be smoking a celebratory splif after the Nov 6 Dáil vote on his proposal to legalise the supply and consumption of cannabis.

Flanagan, mindful of his responsibility to uphold the law since his 2011 election to the Dáil, has said he will not smoke or consume cannabis on Irish soil. He only partakes when in countries that allow the practice.

His attempt to legalise cannabis in Ireland is doomed; when the two-day debate is finished, the majority of politicians in Dáil Eireann will rush to vote ‘no’, to burnish their anti-drugs credentials. They are likely to head to the Dáil bar to swig alcohol to celebrate on behalf of responsible Ireland.