Tánaiste Micheál Martin fears that legalizing cannabis could create the image that Ireland supports the use of drugs. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, he stated that his focus is on prevention rather than "making everything legal."

According to Mr. Martin, it's "crazy" that people are taking drugs while socializing without noticing that they are "storing up problems for themselves."

He further stated that there is a "fine line between having a good time and a disaster," which is more likely to be crossed due to the "habitual" use of drugs by young people.

For his remarks, the Tánaiste receives much criticism on Twitter:

IRELAND. Tánaiste 'worried' about impact of legalising #cannabis. @MichealMartinTD said he finds it “crazy” that people are taking #drugs while socialising. Why do people have this huge blind spot about their own drug use? #drugspolicy https://t.co/4ZwCpMOzwF pic.twitter.com/8px0lJx2dx

— CLEAR Cannabis Law Reform (@CLEARUK) March 20, 2023

The government recently announced the formation of a Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use in order to find a way to significantly reduce the negative effects of illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities, and others. As a result, the assembly shall investigate and make recommendations for legislative, policy, and operational changes that the state could implement.

Despite being against legalization, the Tánaiste stated: "I‘m open to the debate, and that's why I think this Citizens’ Assembly will be interesting and important that we need to hear all sides here."

Since the assembly's work will begin in April 2022, invitation letters have already been sent to households across the country inviting members of the public to participate. The meeting will be presided over by former Health Service Executive (HSE) boss Paul Reid.

20,000 invites from the Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar, seeking participation in a Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, will arrive in households across the country from today. #CADrugsUse pic.twitter.com/PH3fnCeqiR

— The Citizens' Assembly (@CitizAssembly) March 3, 2023

Concerned about a cannabis legalisation, Mr. Martin told the Irish Examiner: "If any young person is on drugs, they need help to come off drugs, and that's the approach I would take rather than criminalising people."

Since the strength of cannabis products has increased in recent years, Mr. Martin further said: "I know from medical people talking about it, they believe it's a contributing cause to schizophrenia, particularly if people engage in cannabis early on in their teenage years."

The precise effects of cannabis use are unknown. However, it is assumed that cannabis can be a trigger for mental illnesses in rare cases. Scientists, on the other hand, frequently report the numerous positive effects cannabis can have, such as against depression, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders.

 

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Micheál Martin further stated that he is not a big fan of using the phrase "recreational drug use" as it was said about the smoking ban, adding that "there is no such thing as social smoking."

Since there are several types of drug addictions that can "distort" entire lives, Mr. Martin said that drug use "is one of the great burdens on people".

“And that's the prism through which I look at drug-taking and participation in drugs,” he added.

Mr. Martin said that his approach is "very much on the prevention side" and that he sees the key as working with young people on their self-confidence and self-esteem. He argues that it may help them resist peer pressure and "feeling inadequate" when not using drugs around a group of people.