Yo, what’s up fam? My name is Dan and today we’re talking about one of the most important things in life – weed. You know, we all love beautiful scenery and travel, but one thing we always have to ask ourselves is whether the place we’re going to is down with the green stuff. So, let’s get down to it – is weed legal in Ireland?
Listen up, because Ireland may not be the most progressive when it comes to marijuana. While other countries in Europe are moving towards legalization, Ireland is still lagging behind. Recreational use of weed is totally banned, while medical cannabis is only available to a select few.
So, if you’re planning on making Ireland your next destination, you better make sure you know the drug laws there. Here’s everything you need to know!
The History of Cannabis in Ireland
Ireland may be known for its natural landscapes, but it’s definitely not the place for stoners to light up. So how did this happen? Why is Ireland so far behind when it comes to legalizing weed?
Well, let’s take a trip down memory lane. The Irish free state recognized marijuana and cannabis resin as dangerous drugs way back in 1934, thanks to the Dangerous Drugs Act. However, as time went on, weed became more popular in the late 1960s.
A working committee for drug abuse was set up and they proposed that small convictions for personal use should not be prosecuted. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 was introduced, which placed cannabis under the harder drugs category. And that’s where things still stand today.
Current Status of Cannabis in Ireland
So now that you know a little bit about the history of cannabis in Ireland, let’s talk about where things stand right now.
Medical cannabis is legal in Ireland but access is very limited. Recreational cannabis is illegal and all activities related to buying, selling or growing weed are also illegal. The Irish government has strict laws in place and law enforcement is tough.
Want to know more about these laws? Keep reading!
Cannabis Laws in Ireland
Using cannabis in Ireland can get you into a lot of trouble. It’s important to know the laws so you can avoid any issues. Here are the details:
Possession of Cannabis
It’s illegal to possess cannabis seeds or any amount of cannabis in Ireland, even for personal use. The Misuse of Drugs Act categorizes marijuana for possession and supply in different categories.
If you’re caught with a small amount of weed, you’ll be fined €1000 in the District Court, but only if it’s your first or second offense. If you end up in the High Court, that same fine will cost you €1,270 for a first-time offense and €2,540 for a second offense.
But if you’re caught with weed for the third time, things get serious. You could end up spending up to three years in jail.
Selling Cannabis
Selling or supplying cannabis is a big no-no in Ireland. Depending on the circumstances, amount of weed involved and type of drug seized, penalties can vary.
For selling limited quantities of cannabis, the fine is €2,500 and up to one-year imprisonment. For selling larger quantities with a value of up to €13,000, you’ll face at least ten years in prison which could be increased to 13 years. And if there’s a substantial amount of drugs involved, you could end up with life imprisonment.
Cultivating Cannabis
It’s also illegal to grow cannabis plants in Ireland. Cannabis seeds are available, but growing them is a big no-no under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. You can’t develop opium poppy or any plant of the Genus Cannabis without a permit from the Minister.
For growing a small number of cannabis plants, you may face up to one year in prison with a huge fine. If you’re caught growing a larger number of plants, you could end up in jail for up to 14 years.
CBD Laws
CBD is legal in Ireland as long as the THC content is less than 0.2%. CBD products are available in health shops, but doctors can’t prescribe them as they’re not considered medicine by the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
Medical Marijuana in Ireland
Medical cannabis has been legal in Ireland since 2014, but access has been limited to only one product – Sativex. Doctors can only prescribe it to patients with multiple sclerosis.
After years of public protest about the difficulty of accessing medical cannabis, the Irish government finally introduced the medical cannabis access program in 2019. The program only accepts certain types of cannabis-based products like CBD oil drops from Aurora High and Tilray Oral Solution. However, there are very limited options for cannabis-based products and the program has faced criticism.
Industrial Hemp in Ireland
Hemp cultivation is legal in Ireland as long as you have a valid license from the Department of Health and Children. Plants should not contain more than 0.2% THC and should be away from public areas.
Cannabis Culture in Ireland
Ireland has a conservative weed culture and most people are still against legalization. Only18% of young students wanted to decriminalize cannabis while39.4% admitted to using it before. The country runs the most restrictive medical cannabis program in Europe.
FAQs
– The cost of the medical marijuana program in Ireland is around €1000 per month.
– The Irish government provides reimbursement for medical cannabis patients on a case-by-case basis.
– It’s legal to send cannabis seeds to Ireland, but you can’t grow plants from them.
– Smoking weed is risky and law enforcement officials are always on the lookout.
The Bottom Line
Ireland may not be moving towards legalizing cannabis anytime soon. The country still has strict laws in place and there’s little awareness about the benefits of marijuana among the public and government.
So, if you’re planning on visiting Ireland, it’s important to know the laws related to cannabis. Stay aware, stay safe!