Nearly six out of 10 young people in Ireland believe the sale of cannabis should be regulated, according to a European survey.
A European Commission poll of 28 member states found that 56% of 15-24-year-olds here said the cannabis market should be regulated, with 43% saying it should remain illegal. The position is almost a reverse of the EU average, where 45% said cannabis should be regulated and 53% said it should continue to be banned.
The Flash Eurobarometer found that Ireland and Italy had the joint second highest percentage in favour of regulation, with the Czech Republic way ahead at 71%. In Britain, 46% of young people were in favour.
Published on UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the poll this month interviewed more than 13,000 Europeans aged between 15 and 24, including 500 in Ireland.
In relation to cannabis use among those surveyed, it found:
- 42% had taken the drug in Ireland, compared with an EU average of 31%.
- 16% had taken it in the last 30 days, more than double the EU average (7%).
- 12% had smoked cannabis in the last year (EU 10%).
- 14% had taken it, but more than a year ago (EU 14%).
The much higher figure for current usage (within the last 30 days) may come as a surprise to drug experts as previous research has shown a reduction in cannabis usage in younger age groups. The Irish rate is the highest of the 28 countries, with France and Slovenia next at 13% and Britain at 8%.
Source: Cormac O'Keeffe, Irish Examiner, 27/06/14
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