Drugs
Radical Re-think of Drugs Policy
Perhaps the least rational aspect of our criminal justice system is the continued criminalisation of cannabis. It is now clear that the so-called ‘war on drugs’ does not work. It is time to adopt a more sane, humane and just policy.
This is a more rational and pragmatic approach, especially given the extensive drain on police time in processing this type of offender. Consideration should be given to adopting a similar policy on cannabis by Irish legislators.
As regards heroin, a rational approach has already been implicitly accepted by policy-makers in Ireland, through trying to help addicts overcome the scourge of addiction through the provision of methadone to registered addicts; and the introduction of a drug court for the purpose of encouraging the rehabilitation of addicted offenders. This is the only way to reduce the great harm caused by heroin addiction. Unfortunately, large numbers of addicts continue to be criminalised by the courts for their addiction, while at the same time inadequate resources are put in place to provide them with proper treatment facilities and programmes. This should be remedied as a matter of great urgency.
