‘Cannabis is a dangerous drug and a serious public health concern,’ says ICGP, as assembly meets to consider decriminalisation
GPs say there should be 'public-health based strategies, rather than incarceration' for people caught with small quantities of cannabis for personal use. Photograph: TJ Kirkpatrick/The New York Times
“Drug use has profound and lasting adverse effects on individuals, families, communities, and our wider society,” the Irish College of General Practitioners says as the debate on drugs liberalisation reaches an important juncture. “Cannabis is a dangerous drug and a serious public health concern,” according to the statement. “The ICGP discourages cannabis use, especially in high-risk populations such as youth, those with a personal or family history of mental disorder, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding.”Ciarán Murphy: Kilcoo’s outrageous behaviour demeans the club’s standing in the GAA
It also calls for stronger public health messaging on the adverse health effects of cannabis and cannabinoid inhalation and ingestion, “with an emphasis on reducing initiation and frequency of cannabis use among adolescents, especially high potency products; use among women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy; and avoiding cannabis-impaired driving”.