A mature conversation around decriminalising cannabis is needed in this country.
That's according to local Sinn Fein councillor, Stiofan Conaty who believes the time is right for this discussion.
He says with cannabis being illegal here, it has driven people to the black market and has made criminals out of decent hardworking people. Cllr Conatys calls come as concerns are being raised about the number of young people accessing treatment due to a synthetic cannabis.
169 young people sought treatment for problems associated with HHC, which is contained in some vapes and edibles. There are calls for changes to the law with Professor of General Practice at UCD Ray Walley, saying the government needs to draft new laws. Cllr Conaty believes banning HHC outright isn't the way to go, adding that it needs to be looked at and see can it be made safe.
He says the underlying issue for the demand on HHC, is being brought about due to the demand for real cannabis. Cllr Conaty said “because of the prohibition of the actual cannabis plant and unlike this synthetic version - the cannabis plant, there's many benefits to it and what it has been prohibited and it has been banned.
