As Ireland gears up for the General Election on November 29, 2024, voters have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the country. While politicians are eager for your number one vote, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about which candidate best aligns with your values, particularly on pressing issues like drug policy reform. For many Irish voters, cannabis policy and broader drug reform are significant concerns, especially as Ireland’s drug policy landscape has shifted over recent years.
In the past four years, Ireland’s approach to drug policy has seen frequent changes in leadership, with multiple ministers moving swiftly through the role. This turnover has led to a lack of sustained focus and accountability on these issues. However, recent developments—such as the Citizen’s Assembly on drug use and the Joint Committee on Drug Use’s interim report—are pushing the conversation around cannabis and drug decriminalisation to the forefront.
As politicians come to your door this election season, this guide provides you with key questions to ask. Initiate the conversation by showing your understanding of the topic, which can help establish a respectful and constructive dialogue. Start with a phrase like, “Given the recent Citizen Assembly on drug use and the interim report from the Joint Committee on Drug Use, I have a few questions that will help me decide where my vote will go.”
Remember, politicians and their representatives are people too. Maintain a respectful, non-confrontational tone; a friendly dialogue encourages open discussion and helps avoid the negativity that often pervades politics today. Here are some essential questions to ask as you consider your vote:
Do you and your party support the decriminalisation of personal drug possession, including cannabis, as recommended by the Citizen’s Assembly and the Joint Committee on Justice? Why or why not?
With countries like Spain, Malta, and Germany establishing regulated cannabis markets, would you support a similar approach in Ireland to manage cannabis through a legal, controlled framework as recommended by the Oireachtas Committee?
Access to medical cannabis is still very limited in Ireland. Does your party support expanding the Medical Cannabis Access Programme to make it easier for patients with chronic conditions to access this treatment? What changes would you advocate for to improve patient access?
With recent reports highlighting issues around stop-and-search practices, particularly in relation to cannabis, do you think Ireland should reform these practices? How would your party ensure that drug policies do not disproportionately affect marginalised communities?
By posing these questions, voters can gain a clearer understanding of each candidate’s commitment to thoughtful and progressive drug policies. With informed voters at the polls, this election has the potential to influence the future of drug policy in Ireland for years to come.
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