The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs has voted to introduce a hybrid model on how to approach drug use depending on the type of drug.
It's one of a number of ballots being taken at the sixth and final Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs focused on recommendations to shape future policy.
Cannabis, cocaine and hallucinogenics have been picked out to be dealt with separately in policy, with all other drugs looked at in the same way.
Some 58.6% voted in favour of this hybrid model, while 2.3% voted in favour of tolerance for all drugs.
The Assembly also voted to recommend a comprehensive health-led approach for all types of drugs.
It would mean the State would respond to drug use and misuse primarily as a public health issue rather than a criminal justice issue.
Possession of drugs would remain illegal, but instead there would be little or no chance of a criminal conviction or prison sentence.
When asked to vote on a universal or a hybrid approach, #CADrugsUse voted to look at different approaches to different drugs. pic.twitter.com/x0pUMAA0W5
— The Citizens' Assembly (@CitizAssembly) October 21, 2023
The Assembly also voted against retaining the "status quo" in Ireland's current approach to drug use.
Before voting began this morning, assembly members aired concerns over the transparency of the proceedings, with some describing the process as undemocratic and managed.
Assembly Chair and former HSE CEO Paul Reid, has told members to ignore commentary from outside the room and to focus on the matter at hand today.
Ahead of the Assembly, Mr Reid told The Anton Savage Show described it as a “momentous weekend”.
“[Citizens] have received presentations from 150 different presenters, they've had 200 hours of deliberation per table,” he said.
“They've been wildly well informed of a range of issues and debates on the whole drug spectrum.”
He said the Assembly is a “microcosm” of society that represents all the views on drug use.
“When you dig deeper, drugs are pervasive all across the country,” he said.
“However, some areas of the country suffer much more harm than others.
“It’s generally communities that come from higher social depravation.
“And it's not just drugs that are the whole set of social determinants - it's housing, poverty, people who suffer early life trauma and get into a vicious cycle.”
#CADrugsUse has voted for a comprehensive health-led approach for all types of drugs. pic.twitter.com/5pYdiVdaLE
— The Citizens' Assembly (@CitizAssembly) October 21, 2023
Mr Reid said it’s important that people consider “medium to long term strategic trends” when it comes to changing drug policies.
“The Budget is bigger than it ever was, but it's not going to solve the issue that's coming at us,” he said.
“We will need a multi-annual plan over the next six or seven years to take it seriously and have more innovation.”
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Additional reporting by Matthew Joyce.
