“We don’t have any answers within the current framework”: tensions within cannabis policy change in Ireland

Chris Ó Rálaigh,Sarah Morton

doi:10.1108/dat-10-2020-0064

Abstract

PurposeInternational policy approaches to cannabis production and use are changing rapidly, and within the Irish context, alternatives to prohibition are being considered. This study aims to explore policymaker’s attitudes towards the decriminalisation and legal regulation of cannabis for recreational use in the midst of an unfolding policy process, examining the degree which a “policy window” might be open for the implementation of cannabis policy change.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were held with eight key informants within the policy field in Dublin, Ireland. Kingdon’s (2014) Multiple Streams framework was used to consider whether the problems, policy and political streams were aligning to support progressive policy change.FindingsIrish policymakers indicated broad support for the decriminalisation of cannabis. The legal regulation of cannabis received more qualified support. Existing policy was heavily criticised with criminalisation identified as a clear failure. Of particular interest was the willingness of policymakers to offer opinions which contrasted with the policy positions of their organisations. While a policy window did open – and close – subsequent governmental commitments to examine the issue of drugs policy in a more deliberative process in the near future highlight the incremental nature of policy change.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insight into the opinions of policymakers in the midst of a prolonged period of policy evolution. A latent aspiration for historical policy change was situated within the realpolitik of more traditional approaches to policy development, demonstrating that the alignment of Kingdon’s (2014) problem, policy and political streams are essential for change in cannabis policy.

Highlights

Introduction and backgroundCannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Ireland, with usage rates and associated health harms steadily increasing over the past two decades (Department of Health, 2017; EMCDDA, 2019)
This study explores the attitudes of Irish political representatives and other key policymakers towards the regulation of cannabis for recreational use
Protecting cannabis users from the criminalisation process was identified by one participant, who linked this to the longer term implications of criminal conviction including housing, travel and employment opportunities: I’ve seen the impact of criminalisation on people’s lives [ [. . .] ] and the escalation through their life’s stories [. . .] [. . .] if someone’s caught smoking a joint at Electric Picnic and that shows up on the Garda Clearance.. . .And the impact that has on young people who use cannabis. (Participant 5)

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and backgroundCannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Ireland, with usage rates and associated health harms steadily increasing over the past two decades (Department of Health, 2017; EMCDDA, 2019). Regulatory alternatives to the production, sale and use of cannabis in European and American nations (Hughes et al, 2018) have added a dynamic element to Irish policy debate (Smyth et al, 2019), with policymakers discussing policy responses more consonant with international developments (Department of Health, 2017). Within this context, this study explores the attitudes of Irish political representatives and other key policymakers towards the regulation of cannabis for recreational use. Set against a historic review of Irish drugs policy, this article examines findings from the study using Kingdon’s (2014) multiple streams theory (MST) of policy change

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