Decriminalize all drugs and regulate cannabis. These are the (non-binding) recommendations presented by the Drug Commission in Ireland.
In particular, the special committee called for the abolition of section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Thus, drug possession for personal use it would no longer be a crime.
Instead, taking inspiration from the models of other European countries like Germany, Spain and Malta, you should proceed with the legalization of cannabis.
As explained by Gino Kelly: deputy and President of the committee, we could start from non-profit Cannabis Social Clubs, where members can supply themselves safely, up to a broader marketing maneuver.
Ireland aims for health and harm reduction
It is necessary for the government to adopt as soon as possible "a health-based approach" and not on criminalisation, declared the Irish politician toIrish Examiner.
A paradigm shift that aims to (really) protect citizens. Because Ireland, with the rate of drug-related deaths among the highest ever, it is tangible proof that prohibition has failed.
"The goal of drug policy should be to reduce harm and eliminate stigma", we read from the document. Which emphasizes, "the decriminalization of possession for personal use should apply equally to all illicit drugs."
The solution advanced by the Commission is in fact similar to that implemented by Portugal, which in 2010 it decriminalized use and possession of all drugs. The result? Consumption has dropped significantly.
People instead "should be offered all the supports and the health resources necessary,” the report concludes. And "no one should be criminalized for not having received adequate support."
