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A lot of people are wondering if cannabis is legal in Ireland. The answer is complicated, and unfortunately there is no simple yes or no answer. Here’s what you need to know about the current status of cannabis in Ireland.
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Introduction
Cannabis is currently illegal in Ireland. However, the government is in the process of changing the law to allow for the legal use of medical cannabis. The new law will come into effect in early 2019. It is unclear at this time how strictly the law will be enforced, but it is expected that possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use will be tolerated.
The current legal situation
Despite the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of cannabis in Ireland in 2001, and the legalization of medical cannabis in certain circumstances in 2016, the drug is not currently legal in Ireland. cultivation of cannabis for personal use remains illegal. This article will explore the current legal landscape surrounding cannabis in Ireland, as well as recent changes and developments.
Possession
Possession of cannabis is illegal in Ireland. The maximum penalty is a Class C fine (up to €2,500) and/or up to 12 months in prison for a first offence. For a second or subsequent offence, the maximum penalties are a Class C fine and/or up to 5 years in prison. A person convicted of an offence may also be liable to have their name and particulars entered on the Drugs Register.
Use
Cannabis is illegal in Ireland. However, possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is decriminalised. This means that people caught with small amounts of cannabis will not be prosecuted, but may be given a fine. The decriminalisation of cannabis possession was introduced in 2010.
Supply and production
It is currently illegal to supply or produce cannabis in Ireland. However, the government is committed to reviewing the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, with a view to bringing forward legislative proposals to address the emerging public health problem of drug misuse, including the supply and production of cannabis.
The proposed changes
The sale, possession, cultivation and importation of cannabis is currently illegal in Ireland. However, the government is proposing to change the law to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of the drug. This would mean that people caught with small amounts of cannabis would not face criminal charges. Let’s look at the pros and cons of this proposed change.
Possession
Possession of cannabis is currently illegal in Ireland. The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis is a Class C fine, which is a fine of up to €2,500, or up to one year in prison, or both. If you are convicted of possession of cannabis for the second time, the maximum penalties are a Class C fine or up to two years in prison, or both. If you are convicted of possession of cannabis for the third time, the maximum penalties are a Class B fine or up to five years in prison, or both.
Use
Cannabis is illegal in Ireland. However, in 2019, the government introduced legislation that will allow for the legal use of cannabis for medical purposes. The Cannabis for Medical Use Regulation Bill will allow medical practitioners to prescribe cannabis products to patients with certain medical conditions.
Supply and production
Possessing cannabis, supplying it or producing it are all illegal. The cultivation of cannabis is dealt with very harshly under the Misuse of Drugs Act. It is a criminal offence to cultivate any number of cannabis plants, with penalties ranging from a Class C fine (up to €440) for one plant, to a 10-year prison sentence and/or an unlimited fine for 100 or more plants.
The potential impact of these changes
Currently, the sale, possession and use of cannabis is illegal in Ireland. Minister for Health, Simon Harris, has said that the government is considering changing the law to allow for the sale and possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. This would bring Ireland in line with other European countries such as the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. Let’s explore the potential impact of these changes.
on the individual
The potential impact of these changes on the individual will depend on a number of factors, including their personal circumstances, their age, their criminal history (if any), and whether or not they have any previous convictions for drug-related offences.
on society
The potential impact of these changes on society is still being debated. Some believe that it would lead to an increase in crime, while others believe that it would lead to a decrease in crime. There is also the potential for increased tax revenue if cannabis was to be legalized. However, there is still much disagreement on this issue.
Conclusion
Cannabis is illegal in Ireland. However, personal use of small amounts of cannabis is decriminalized. This means that if you are caught with a small amount of cannabis, you will not be prosecuted. Instead, you will be given a fine. The amount of the fine will depend on the amount of cannabis you have and whether it is your first offence.
