The Long Read on Portugal's drug policy |
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SuperDave84
Robbie Keane ooh Thomas, how could you do this to me! Joined: 26 Aug 2011 Location: Far Fungannon Status: Offline Points: 21384 |
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Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 5:05pm |
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I think some of the left wing parties (from the fractured left I mean, not Sinn Fein or Labour) are in favour of decriminalisation. Some of the independents may be as well. Not sure about Maureen O'Sullivan who took Tony Gregory's seat: his position was anti-drugs, but in favour of proper rehab facilities and the like, so she may be favour.
There's an argument to be made that everyone prosecuted for simple possession should be sent straight to the Drugs Court. They aren't at the minute. If it was better equipped, we could move towards decriminalisation. However, there may be attitudes opposed to decriminalisation. The middle classes don't want it easier for their kids to get high-strength cannabis, especially given the well documented effects on developing brains. This is from a Times article: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/decriminalising-drugs-could-it-work-in-ireland-1.3222246 "The data shows how, at its heart, drug decriminalisation is a class issue. It means the heroin addict from a marginalised community is less likely to die of an overdose but the son or daughter of a middle-class family is perhaps more likely to start using high strength cannabis or the dizzying array of synthetic substances that are available to buy online." |
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Deane
Liam Brady Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Location: Co Down Status: Offline Points: 2945 |
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Has there ever been any campaigns or petitions targeting drug law reform in Ireland?
To me the pros far outweigh the cons but what would opposition to a reform argue? |
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SuperDave84
Robbie Keane ooh Thomas, how could you do this to me! Joined: 26 Aug 2011 Location: Far Fungannon Status: Offline Points: 21384 |
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The breakdown of offences may be available. However, what won't be available is the reason why a lot of others ended up there. A heap of murders are committed by those involved in the drugs trade. Almost all petty shoplifters are drug addicts, although you need a few convictions for that before you end up behind bars. A decent percentage of robbers and burglars are also drug addicts, and a decent percentage of those again end up behind bars. It is likely quite high. I'd be surprised if less than 50% of prisoners either weren't addicted to something or involved in the trade in some way. Now, of course, there's no guarantee a decent number of them wouldn't be in prison even with decriminalisation, but it ought to improve it. |
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Bob Hoskins
Moderator Group Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Status: Offline Points: 20175 |
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They had to import 240 convicts from Norway
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Romario 2016: And the ticket mafia gets caught! Well, four years ago I had already told the government.
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Deane
Liam Brady Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Location: Co Down Status: Offline Points: 2945 |
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What percentage of prisoners in Ireland are there for drug related crimes or are addicts themselves?
Edit: There probably isn't an accurate statistic on this but its just a thought as it surely has to be a large percentage. Edited by Deane - 07 Dec 2017 at 1:57pm |
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GoneToShowgies
Ray Houghton Joined: 28 Jul 2010 Status: Offline Points: 3983 |
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Not Portugal but similar vein given Holland's view on drugs.
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nvidic
Moderator Group Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Status: Offline Points: 18995 |
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Not sure it's likely but it is ruining Lisbon, such a nice city plagued by small time drug pushers
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Bob Hoskins
Moderator Group Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Status: Offline Points: 20175 |
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The numbers are hard to comprehend
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Romario 2016: And the ticket mafia gets caught! Well, four years ago I had already told the government.
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MC Hammered
Jack Charlton Joined: 05 Oct 2011 Status: Offline Points: 6870 |
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As has been already mentioned, harsher sentencing hasn't worked elsewhere. All you do is clog the prison system. If there is demand for drugs then there will be supply.
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El Puto Amo
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Deane
Liam Brady Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Location: Co Down Status: Offline Points: 2945 |
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Being Harsh doesn't make a difference, look at the U.S. Dealers over there can get 15-25 year sentences regularly.
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rossieman
Roy Keane Joined: 01 Apr 2011 Status: Offline Points: 14254 |
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But jailing dealers doesn't really work,there will always be someone to take their place. Some decriminalization is needed then Health and education is probably the best route to try first. Legalise cannabis should be the first step imo.Let it be taxed and use that money to fund the health and education aspect.Make cannabis worthless to a cartel/dealer would be a good start compared to what is currently going on in this country. |
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Green Devil
Robbie Keane Aye Kes, I've pissed me-self again Joined: 06 Oct 2010 Location: Barbados Status: Offline Points: 22173 |
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I think being more harsh on dealers would solve a lot of issues or if you are caught in possession of cocaine would be far better than legalizing it. I could name a fair few lads who became rats for the police and are walking around town like they were angels. It's easy give a name when you're in trouble, the simple fact is giving a name or two shouldn't mean you get away with dealing especially if you're caught with thousands worth of product.
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"He drives two Ferraris; I think he's a very lucky lad to have 50 caps for Ireland,"
Eamonn Dunphy on Glenn Whelan |
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rossieman
Roy Keane Joined: 01 Apr 2011 Status: Offline Points: 14254 |
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That's probably the end goal but is it likely? Decriminalization was a huge first step and solved some major problems,legalisation might not be possible. |
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nvidic
Moderator Group Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Status: Offline Points: 18995 |
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They need to rethink it and just sell it legally in shops in Portugal. Lisbon is ridiculous for getting asked every thirty seconds to buy hash or cocaine
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Deane
Liam Brady Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Location: Co Down Status: Offline Points: 2945 |
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There were 2,234 murders in June in Mexico. Not all drug related but the vast majority, one month, one country. Madness.
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Bob Hoskins
Moderator Group Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Status: Offline Points: 20175 |
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Watching Narco's and the amount of murders from it, and Mexico is like that now. How many drug related murders are there a year across the world?
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Romario 2016: And the ticket mafia gets caught! Well, four years ago I had already told the government.
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Jocky Wilson
Phil Babb Joined: 19 Nov 2017 Location: Kirkcaldy Status: Offline Points: 31 |
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We might as well legalise cocaine. It's everywhere.
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rossieman
Roy Keane Joined: 01 Apr 2011 Status: Offline Points: 14254 |
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It's big business and that could be the main stumbling block.
It's obvious changes are needed ,the current set up doesn't work. |
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