Europe: Irish Labor Party Debates Cannabis Legalization, Defers Decision
The Irish Labor Party discussed whether to decriminalize or legalize cannabis at its annual convention last Friday, but deferred the matter to its National Executive for further discussion. Putting cannabis on the party agenda was the handiwork of party whip Emmet Stagg, who has long been a proponent of legalization.
Emmet Stagg
"I'm advocating its control, standardization, legitimization and taxation. I am recognizing the fact it is freely available," Stagg said. "Everywhere you go it is available from criminals," he said.
But after contentious debate, the party voted to defer a decision on adopting legalization or decriminalization as part of the platform. By a narrow margin, and following the lead of former party leader Pat Rabbitte, delegates voted to refer the matter to the National Executive for further discussion. While Rabbitte urged caution at the conference, he did say that policymakers need to be thinking outside the box when it comes to cannabis.
Labor is the third largest political party in Ireland. It is currently in the opposition.
whats wrong with it?
Comment posted by Anonymous on Mon, 12/17/2007 - 1:27amVirginia I don't know any young alcoholics,kids that have a drink first thing in the morning and last thing at night but I do know a raft of young potheads who are pissing their lives up the wall. Promising careers and opportunities, I used to think it was ok. three puffs and a giiggle, not so with the new stronger pot, it is insidious.. a real life ruiner.. so how many teenage alcoholics do u know!
Cannabis legalisation
Comment posted by Anonymous on Thu, 11/29/2007 - 11:18amAs an Irish citizen, and a labour party voter (mainly) i am disappointed that the labour party has deferred a decision on cannabis decriminalisation. In ireland the vast majority of cannabis on sale is cheap, low grade "soap bar" hash. Enables racketeers maximise profits. You can't buy this type of hash in a Dutch coffee shop, its that bad. Legalisation and regulation of the mark will ahve a positive impact on the respitory health of Irish hash smokers.
Cannabis Legalization
Comment posted by Anonymous on Sun, 02/17/2008 - 4:16pmHey im from illinois and i believe that pot should be legalized or the government should change 3 of my nearby towns are all pothead/crackhead communities because they shut down every recreational center and entertainment center because of older people selling drugs. Now the only thing in the 3 towns i a mcdonalds so kids are driven to drugs so they dont have any real choice in their lives.
Cannabis,Pot,Hooch, what's wrong with it?
Comment posted by Anonymous on Fri, 11/23/2007 - 2:35pmHello from Virginia,
What's wrong with cannabis or it's legalization ? I , personally would rather meet a person on marijuana than one on alcohol. This is not saying you should be driving under the influence of either, but stating the lesser of two "evils" so to speak.