Cannabis valued at €800,000 seized in Co. Louth
A Case for Cannabis Decriminalisation in Ireland
Recently, Gardaí in Louth seized cannabis and cannabis plants valued at €800,000. This significant operation underscores the ongoing efforts to enforce cannabis prohibition in Ireland. However, it also raises critical questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of current cannabis laws here in Ireland.
The Costs of Cannabis Prohibition
Crucial Resources: Enforcing cannabis laws wastes crucial resources & consumes a substantial portion of Gardaí time every DAY! Each year, countless hours are spent on cannabis-related arrests, investigations, and court cases. These efforts divert attention and resources from more serious crimes, such as violent offenses like assault, theft, rape and human trafficking.
My own court case recently saw TEN , yes 10 Gardaí having to show up as witnesses to testify against me for the cannabis plants I planted and handed to Gardaí in a public display of civil disobedience to challenge the legitimacy of the Ireland’s misuse of drugs act. That was 10 gardaí for 6 charges of cannabis cultivation for 1 person, 10 gardaí getting paid to stand around a court to give evidence against me for a plant, 10 gardaí who were not patrolling the streets of Cork for REAL criminals like thieves and rapists but instead standing around waiting to criminalise me a person who posed NO threat to society and the real kicker for tax payers and society is those Gardaí didn’t even get to give evidence as the case was put back.
So is the enforcement of Cannabis prohibition really worth it when we consider how important the work of the Gardaí is outside of enforcing this discriminatory and in my opinion illegal misuse of drugs act 1977.
Economic Costs: The financial burden of cannabis prohibition cannot be overlooked as it extends beyond Gardaí operations. The judicial system incurs significant costs from prosecuting cannabis offenses, including court fees, legal representation, and incarceration. These funds could be better allocated to more pressing public needs. In this case above where 3 people have been arrested, to lock up 1 of those men will cost the state on average over €80,000/year. So in that case above if we were to imagine they each got & served 5 years in prison that’s over €80,000 x15 = €1.2Million far exceeding the value of the cannabis being seized and what real benefit is society and its tax payers seeing from such substantial investment?
Benefits of Decriminalisation and Regulation
Economic Benefits: By decriminalising and regulating cannabis, Ireland could generate substantial tax revenue and create 100’s if not 1000’s of jobs instead of creating the same number of criminals and allowing their organisations to generate massive wealth. Countries like Canada and several U.S. states have demonstrated the economic potential and societal benefits of legal cannabis markets. The revenue in places where the sale is regulated like Colorado is being used to support public services, including healthcare and education, and also to fund drug rehabilitation programs.
Social and Health Benefits: Decriminalisation of Cannabis would reduce the stigma associated with Cannabis use, encouraging individuals who need help, to seek help without fear of legal repercussions. Regulation would also ensure safer access to cannabis for consumers, minimizing the risks associated with unregulated markets and reducing the power of criminal organizations.
International Perspectives
Countries like Portugal and regions such as Colorado in the U.S. have seen positive outcomes from cannabis decriminalisation. These areas have experienced reduced crime rates, improved public health, and significant economic benefits, providing a model for Ireland to consider.
Addressing Common Concerns
Critics argue that decriminalisation could lead to increased cannabis use and social harm. However, evidence from regions with legal cannabis suggests that these fears are largely unfounded. Instead, these areas have seen stable or declining usage rates and improved public health outcomes. Also Ireland where Cannabis is prohibited has a higher rate of use among our younger population when compared to other European countries especially Holland who’ve long had a toleration for adults legally consuming and even growing cannabis.
Conclusion
The recent €800,000 cannabis seizure in Louth highlights the inefficiencies of current cannabis laws. By decriminalising and regulating cannabis, Ireland could better allocate Gardaí resources, generate significant economic benefits, and improve public health. It's time for Ireland to consider a more effective approach to cannabis policy.
Call to Action: Join the conversation and support the move towards sensible cannabis policies by getting involved with groups like Crainn and the Cannabis Activist Aliance Ireland. Also with the upcoming elections it more important now than ever to contact your local representatives and advocate for the decriminalisation and regulation of cannabis in Ireland. Together, we CAN create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous society.
