cANNABIS AND THE LAW

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Possession of cannabis is a criminal offence in Ireland and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. It may be argued that cannabis should be legalised and many people take this viewpoint, but it remains illegal.

A person can be convicted for possession of cannabis and given a maximum fine of €635 for a first offence and for a 3rd or subsequent offence an unrestricted fine and/or 3 years prison sentence. This may seem harsh but if you are caught with cannabis in Galway, the Gardai may well arrest you and bring you to court (even for one joint). The judges in Galway are VERY strict on people caught in possession of drugs.

A drug conviction can have major implications in terms of later life as regards your career and also in relation to foreign travel. Countries like America or Australia will not allow in anyone with a drug conviction recorded against them.

The penalties for supplying cannabis are potentially much harsher than for mere possession, higher fines and longer prison sentences. Passing a joint to someone in itself is classed as supplying cannabis!

The Gardai have the power to stop, search and detain if they have reason to suspect a person of being in possession of an illegal drug.

It is not illegal to have cannabis in your bloodstream, though it is an offence to drive under the influence of cannabis. It is not illegal to possess cannabis seeds but it is illegal to grow a cannabis plant.

Research shows that there are many more potential side effects to the use of cannabis than previously recognised. You are putting yourself at risk in all sorts of ways, not alone legally. You may suffer effects both in terms of your motivation to study and get the most out of your time at college, and your general mental health. It is far better to avoid these risks by not using cannabis.

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