I move amendment No. 53 in the name of Deputy Byrne.
In page 13, subsection (1) (c) (ii), line 31, after "opium" to insert "or cannabis".
SECTION 16.
I am somewhat ignorant about cannabis, its preparation and so on, but so far as the drug is concerned it can be dealt with by simple possession. In the matter of opium it appears that certain utensils are required and there is the opium pipe which is used in the consumption or smoking of opium. It is to prohibit certain activities in regard to the possession of these various utensils. This is not so, as far as I am aware, in the case of cannabis. I do not know if there is any special machine or roller required for manufacture of cannabis.
Section 16 deals with opium so there is no point in bringing cannabis into it.
This is the point I am making.
It is just that you would use a cigarette roller for cannabis.
The Deputy will agree that we maintain that very clear distinction in section 16.
Is there any other provision to deal with the materials used in the preparation of cannabis?
I do not think so. Simple possession is enough.
What about the materials used for making the cannabis cigarettes?
If it was for making cigarettes, it would be of universal application, so it would not be possible to make a distinction.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Section agreed to.
Section 17 agreed to.