Vera Twomey led a campaign for her daughter Ava Barry to receive a drug made from a component of cannabis

Ireland should make cannabis legal for medicinal and recreational use, a barrister has said.

Niall Neligan, BL, a law lecturer in DIT, has written a policy document calling for the drug to be regulated so that it can be grown and sold in the country. He explains the legal structures in places that have relaxed their rules on cannabis and research showing the potential revenue.

Mr Neligan said that a focus on decriminalisation of drugs was not sufficient and that regulation would offer better protection and ensure people had access to medicinal cannabis. He said: “We are seeking a world-class regulatory framework for the production, distribution and sale of cannabis by 2021. A system designed to minimise harm and eliminate the illicit trade for unregulated