The deputy leader of the Labour Party Mr Brendan Howlin said there is something "unacceptable" about criminalising people for having cannabis. The party's justice spokesman told the Sunday Business Post there was merit in examining the recent development in this area in the UK.
"I would look at what happened in England. There's merit in it. It's now acceptable (to use cannabis) in so many parts of this country. There is something unacceptable about criminalising young people for possession of cannabis. It seems to make some sense to not criminalise people for possession. I would like to see a debate on it."
However, the Minister for Justice Mr O'Donoghue said in the Dβil last week that laws on the possession of cannabis as an illegal drug would not change in Ireland, despite proposals by the British government to consider reclassifying the drug.
