Events will take place in Ireland over the next couple of days calling for reform in cannabis legislation.
People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny says he will introduce new legislation for the legalisation of cannabis in the summer, which he hopes "can start the debate about regulation and legalisation of cannabis in Ireland."
Currently, in Ireland cannabis is illegal for recreational purposes. Although, it is allowed to be used for medicinal purposes, but only on a case-by-case basis following approval from the Minister for Health.
Today is April 20th, or 420 - is now World Cannabis Day, and is a date synonymous with the drug, although the origins of the association are unknown.
A march will take place in Dublin city today calling for a change in how the drug is policed in Ireland, and calling for reform to legislation around it.
It's organised by the Major Group for Cannabis Reform and will start at the Garden of Remembrance and end outside Dáil Eireann.
In a statement, the group said:
"With the help of our friends and fellow activists Patients For Safe Access (PFSA) Cannabis Activist Alliance (CAA) Students For Sensible Drug Policy and Dublin Cannabis Club, we aim to raise awareness about the harms of prohibition while advocating for safe access to whole-plant cannabis for all.
"The March for Change is one of many cannabis-related events taking place across the country this April. And, it’s your opportunity to show the media & government that the public wants cannabis reform now!"
Another event will take place in the Phoenix Park on Saturday calling for similar action from the Government.
Speaking about the prospect of legalisation in Ireland, People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny says "over 20 states in the US have legalised cannabis, as well as Canada and Uruguay, and some countries in Europe looking at a regulated system.
"At the moment there's no regulation, and it is largely controlled by the black market, and that draws in all sorts of individuals.
