Ireland's Embrace of Recreational Sex: The End of Condom prohibition, The Condom Sense campaign, and Cannabis Legalization

The lifting of Ireland's condom sale ban marks a significant societal shift towards accepting recreational activities, including sex. This progressive movement also invites discussions on other areas of personal freedom, like recreational cannabis use.

Historically, Ireland's stance on issues like condom sales was influenced by conservative and religious values. This mirrored the country's approach towards other matters considered taboo, such as cannabis use.

Repealing the condom ban indicates Ireland's growing recognition of individual rights in personal health and recreational activities. It sets a new tone for potentially revisiting other restrictive policies.

A notable figure in the fight against the condom ban was Mick Barry, who is now a Teachta Dála (TD) of the socialist party. Barry spearheaded the 'Condom Sense' campaign, a direct act of civil disobedience against the state's restrictive policies. In a bold move, Barry and his supporters placed condom vending machines in pubs and nightclubs across the country.

These actions, though illegal at the time, played a critical role in highlighting the public's demand for change and the practical necessity of sexual health products.

In light of the condom sale ban lift advocates for cannabis legalization draw parallels to the prohibition of condoms, arguing for personal choice and potential public health benefits.

The Condom Sense campaign's success and the subsequent change in law reflect a growing acceptance of personal freedoms in Ireland. If Ireland were to legalize recreational cannabis, it could signify a continued shift towards a more progressive, health-focused society.

Ireland's repeal of the condom ban, championed by figures like Mick Barry and those at the Irish Family Planning Association through impactful campaigns of civil disobedience like Condom Sense, marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history. It not only signifies a change in attitude towards sexual health but also sets the stage for future discussions on personal freedoms, including the potential legalization of recreational cannabis.

It also highlights the potential steps needed to be taken by cannabis legalisation campaigners in Ireland while our policies are dictated by prohibitionists who refuse to engage in any debate and ignore the reccomendations of the governments justice committee who recently called for a change to Ireland’s drug policies. This willfull ignorance is causing needless suffering and as a result I believe the misuse of drugs act in regards cannanis is untenable and needs to be challenged.

I’ll be making another challenge to this law beginning January 17th in Cork city district court where i’ll be facing 6 charges of unlicensed cultivation of Cannabis. If I can successfully challenge this law it could secure a persons right to be allowed to grow cannabis on their own property.