Independent TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan today launched his Cannabis Regulation Bill 2013, which would legalise cannabis use and allow for the cultivation of plants for both personal and commercial purposes.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the TD, who has been a strong advocate of legalisation, said it is “an exciting time for anyone involved in attempting to repeal prohibition in relation to cannabis anywhere in world”.
“This bill comes at a time when legalisation of cannabis is being looked at in new light all around the planet,” he said referring developments in America in recent years that have seen a number of states legalising the drug.
Flanagan said the bill would provide a “practical way to regulate the scale and use of the drug and “minimalise harm to minors and harm to adults”.
We’ve had a look through the bill in full and here are some of the main points:
Children would not be allowed to use the drug
There is an age limit of 18 for possession and use of cannabis. The bill also sets out criminal sanctions against minors who are found in possession of the drug.
On the first occassion they are found with it, they would have to attend a ‘cannabis education course’. After the second, or subsequent times, they could face up to three months detention at a prescribed juvenile detention facility.
Anyone found to be selling cannabis to a child would also face sanctions.
It would be legal to carry it for personal use and grow it at home
There would be a limit of one ounce for personal possession and anyone found carrying more than that could face jail time. A person found with a quantity of cannabis greater than 20 ounces would be liable on conviction to a fine of up to €500,000 or imprisonment for as many as ten years.
Source: Michelle Hennessy, thejournal.ie, 24/10/13
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