Varadkar considers legalising cannabis
Taoiseach may look to Trudeau for direction but TDs advise caution
TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has been warned by his own backbenchers that legalising cannabis could prove far more controversial than the abortion referendum.
Mr Varadkar, who was at the Body & Soul festival in Co. Westmeath yesterday, has said an expert group set up by Health Minister Simon Harris is examining the decriminalisation of cannabis in countries where it has taken place.
However, he has also indicated that he will look at legalisation, possibly inspired by his close political ally Canadian premier Justin Trudeau who has pledged to make consumption and cultivation of the drug legal from October.
Speaking at the British-Irish Council in Guernsey, Mr Varadkar said the issue is being considered.
‘We’re conscious that Portugal has done it and has had some success in moving it from a criminal justice matter to a health and addiction issue and I’m very conscious that cannabis has been decriminalised in every state on the west coast of the United States, Colorado, most recently Canada, and the sky hasn’t [fallen] in.’
However, in the Dail this week, Mr Varadkar went further than decriminalisation.
‘I am aware that a number of US states have legalised cannabis, all the way down the west coast in places such as Oregon, Washington state and Colorado,’ he told TDs.
‘The predictions from those who opposed the legalisation generally have not come true. It has been reasonably successful in the US states where it has been legalised.
‘It has not been done in any European country yet, except for some special arrangements around coffee shops in Amsterdam. I have no doubt it is an issue we will consider.’
However, his sentiments have shocked many in Fine Gael, who fear such as move could threaten the party. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan warned there is ‘a bit of work to be done on the decriminalisation of any currently illegal drugs’. Mr Flanagan told the MoS that he ‘didn’t favour immediate change’. ‘Of course, we must be mindful of best practice,’ he said. ‘I see what is happening in other countries, especially Portugal. I do not envisage a change in law here in the short term. Fianna Fáil deputy Willie O’Dea sharply dismissed the Taoiseach’s statement claiming: ‘This is just more Leo grandstanding’. ‘There is as much depth to this proposal as Leo wearing the Canadian socks or whatever else he does to get a line on Twitter,’ he said. ‘This is just some liberal notion he is floating to get a round of applause from the posh salons of Dublin 4.’
Outlining his opposition to legalisation, Mr O’Dea explained: ‘If I thought it would get rid of the gangland overlords I would support it but there is absolutely no evidence that this has ever occurred.
‘If Mr Varadkar wants to do something practical he should sort out the area of medicinal cannabis.
‘There is a real medical demand and a crying need for this to be resolved. He should prove his bonafides there first before he goes off flying kites in thunderstorms.
‘If he cannot resolve what is a practical health issue, how will he resolve the far broader issue of drugs in society?’
The Taoiseach’s proposal was greeted with muted hostility by his parliamentary party; one of whom warned that ‘in the current climate it is a liberal kite too far’. One senior Fine Gael expert warned: ‘Legalising cannabis would be far more politically problematic than abortion; a major conversation is required before Ireland will be ready to legalise cannabis.’
However, Mr Varadkar received some support from Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice, who said he would welcome legalisation ‘if it takes out the criminal overlords’.
‘It is a practical response if we are to take out the criminal underbelly dealing drugs in Irish towns,’ he added but warned: ‘There can’t be a free-for-all.
‘We can’t support it being grown in people’s front and back gardens or in a greenhouse.’
Mr Fitzmaurice also said the Government should ‘legalise swiftly for medicinal use – that is actually what the people want’.
But Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard urged caution and warned: ‘People support medicinal cannabis but there will not be unity on full legalisation.’
‘It has been reasonably successful in US states’ ‘In the current climate it is a liberal kite too far’