Where Irish Politicians Stand on Cannabis Legalisation and Drug Reform Ahead of the General Election

As Ireland inches closer to its next general election, cannabis legalisation and drug reform have emerged as divisive yet defining issues on the political landscape. Fianna Fáil has taken a significant step by including cannabis reform in its electoral mandate, signalling a progressive shift towards addressing drug policy as a public health issue. In stark contrast, Fine Gael remains the most resistant to cannabis reform, holding a staunchly anti-cannabis stance. Their opposition to decriminalisation and limited engagement with broader drug policy reform underscores a conservative approach that voters prioritising progressive change in this area should carefully consider.

The Cannabis Review reached out to politicians from across the spectrum to gauge their views on these critical questions:

1. Do you support the Citizens’ Assembly’s call for decriminalising all drugs in personal amounts and treating addiction as a health issue instead of a criminal offence?

2. Do you favour a not-for-profit model for cannabis legalisation, allowing personal cultivation and community-based cannabis clubs?

3. Would you expand the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) to include more conditions and streamline access to regulated medical cannabis?

4. If your party’s stance diverges from your personal views, would your votes reflect your beliefs or the party line?

Here’s where 15 politicians stand, offering insights into the future of drug policy in Ireland.

Michelle Shahid – Sinn Féin (Cork South-Central)

1. Decriminalisation: Shahid supports decriminalisation and advocates for addiction to be treated as a public health issue. She backs the re-establishment of an Oireachtas Committee to implement the Citizens’ Assembly recommendations.

2. Legalisation Model: Did not commit to a not-for-profit model but emphasised Sinn Féin’s broader commitment to tackling addiction with greater investment.

3. MCAP Expansion: Expressed openness to reforms prioritising patient care.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Likely to vote along party lines, reflecting Sinn Féin’s platform.

Paul Murphy – People Before Profit (Dublin South-West)

1. Decriminalisation: Strongly supports decriminalisation and co-sponsored a 2022 bill advocating for personal use of cannabis.

2. Legalisation Model: Advocates for community-based cannabis clubs under a not-for-profit model.

3. MCAP Expansion: Supports widening the programme to cover additional conditions and easing bureaucratic hurdles.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Murphy’s progressive views are aligned with his party’s platform.

Ruth Coppinger – People Before Profit (Dublin West)

1. Decriminalisation: Supports treating addiction as a health issue and fully backs decriminalisation.

2. Legalisation Model: Strongly supports personal cultivation and community-based cannabis clubs.

3. MCAP Expansion: Advocates for making medical cannabis more accessible to patients.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Committed to her principles, even if they diverge from party policies.

Barry Heneghan – Independent (Dublin Bay North)

1. Decriminalisation: Supports decriminalisation and a health-led approach to drug addiction.

2. Legalisation Model: Endorses a not-for-profit system inspired by Spain and Canada.

3. MCAP Expansion: Strongly supports access for conditions like Parkinson’s and cancer.

4. Party vs. Personal View: As an independent, votes based on personal values and constituents’ needs.

Diarmaid Ó Conoráin – Independent (Dublin Bay North)

1. Decriminalisation: Opposes full decriminalisation but supports treating addiction as a health issue.

2. Legalisation Model: Favourable towards a controlled legalisation model similar to Spain’s cannabis clubs.

3. MCAP Expansion: Supports expanding medical cannabis access.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Votes according to personal beliefs rather than any external affiliation.

Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais – Independent (Dublin North-West)

1. Decriminalisation: Advocates for legalising cannabis, prioritising health outcomes over criminalisation.

2. Legalisation Model: Proposes regulated grow houses to ensure safety and quality.

3. MCAP Expansion: Supports making medical cannabis accessible and removing bureaucratic barriers.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Committed to reform regardless of affiliations.

Killian Mangan – Independent (Waterford)

1. Decriminalisation: Fully supports decriminalisation and critiques criminalisation’s harmful impacts.

2. Legalisation Model: Backs community-based, non-commercial cannabis models.

3. MCAP Expansion: Strongly supports simplifying medical cannabis access for patients.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Committed to progressive, transparent representation.

Cormac Devlin – Fianna Fáil (Dún Laoghaire)

• Declined a personal response, referring queries to Fianna Fáil’s Press Office, where cannabis policy will feature in the party’s manifesto.

Nicole Ryan – Sinn Féin (Cork North-West)

1. Decriminalisation: Advocates for decriminalising personal possession as part of a health-based approach.

2. Legalisation Model: Open to a not-for-profit system emphasising public health.

3. MCAP Expansion: Supports expanding MCAP to improve access for patients.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Aligns closely with Sinn Féin’s health-led policies.

Marie Sherlock – Labour (Dublin Central)

1. Decriminalisation: Supports a holistic, health-based approach to addiction.

2. Legalisation Model: Endorses a not-for-profit model but stresses community regulation.

3. MCAP Expansion: Advocates for broadening access to alleviate patient suffering.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Reflects Labour’s progressive stance on drug reform.

Louis O’Hara – Sinn Féin (Galway East)

1. Decriminalisation: Fully supports the Citizens’ Assembly recommendations.

2. Legalisation Model: Prefers a measured approach, guided by further committee work.

3. MCAP Expansion: Advocates for expanding cannabis-based medical treatments under regulation.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Aligns with Sinn Féin’s decision-making processes.

Patricia Ryan – Independent (Kildare North)

• Strongly supports the Citizens’ Assembly’s work and urges continued exploration of its recommendations via the Special Oireachtas Committee.

Chris Pender – Social Democrats (Kildare South)

1. Decriminalisation: Fully supports decriminalisation as part of a health-first approach.

2. Legalisation Model: Favourable towards community-based cannabis clubs with strict regulation.

3. MCAP Expansion: Calls for significant programme expansion and simplification.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Fully aligned with the Social Democrats’ evidence-led principles.

Joanne Collins – Sinn Féin (Limerick County)

1. Decriminalisation: Commends the Citizens’ Assembly’s recommendations and urges further policy development.

2. Legalisation Model: Supports measured implementation, guided by committee findings.

3. MCAP Expansion: Advocates for regulated access to cannabis-based treatments.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Fully reflects Sinn Féin’s policy platform.

David Cullinane – Sinn Féin (Waterford)

1. Decriminalisation: Fully supports the Citizens’ Assembly’s recommendations.

2. Legalisation Model: Favourable towards regulating cannabis for medical research.

3. MCAP Expansion: Advocates for simplifying access to cannabis-based medicines.

4. Party vs. Personal View: Votes in line with Sinn Féin’s platform.

A Shifting Landscape:

Across Ireland, politicians are voicing unprecedented support for decriminalisation and health-based approaches to drug reform. The not-for-profit model has emerged as a common thread among respondents, though its implementation will require thoughtful regulation.