Bill to decriminalise possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use set to be debated in Dáil this week

A bill to decriminalise possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use will be debated in Dáil this week.

This follows an announcement at a press conference today by People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny who said PBP would be using their private members time this week to debate the Misuse of Drugs (Cannabis Regulation) Bill 2022 which would decriminalise possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use.

The bill is being brought to the Dáil on Wednesday in the wake of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use report which recommends decriminalisation of certain drugs.

Deputy Kenny was joined at the media event by Dr Garrett McGovern- Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic; and Sophie Grant from the advocacy group CRAINN.

“This bill to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is a moderate bill but is one that would modernise the way in which Ireland deals with drugs- specifically cannabis in this case,” Deputy Kenny said today.

“The Citizens’ Assembly has recommended the decriminalisation of certain drugs including cannabis as part of a move to look at drugs under a health led approach as opposed to a criminal justice approach.

“The criminalisation of the individual for possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use has been a failed policy.

“It is a policy that has wasted the time of the Gardaí, the courts, and the criminal justice system- as well as negatively impacted the lives of people who are charged with possession of small amounts of cannabis.

“This bill seeks to bring Ireland in line with other nations and states who have taken a progressive approach to the way we view drug use.

“I am calling on all members of the Dáil and the government to pass this bill.”