The Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use has recommended that people found in possession of small amounts of drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin for personal use would be diverted to a health-led system, rather than the criminal justice system thereby avoiding a conviction or prison.In the vote last Sunday, just 11 of the 87 members voted in favour of retaining the current criminal approach to personal possession.
Frank Browne is a mental health social worker in southwest Dublin, he says the recommendations have struck the right balance between a liberal legalisation approach and a criminal zero tolerance one. Dr Cian Ó Concubhair The immediate focus on cannabis is unfortunately a reflection of how much of the Assembly's work was framed. The dominance of voices from political pressure groups sucked the oxygen out of the really important discussions the Assembly could and should have had around possible regulatory interventions by the state.