Hey everyone,

I’m a current PhD researcher with a public health qualification currently based here in Ireland (originally from somewhere with legal cannabis). Over the last while, I’ve gotten pretty concerned watching the absolute mess the synthetic cannabinoid ("spice") market is causing.

From a harm reduction standpoint, the data on THC vs. synthetic cannabinoids isn't even close spice is significantly more toxic, unpredictable, and dangerous. By keeping cannabis entirely illegal and unregulated, we're basically driving people straight into an unregulated market filled with much worse synthetic alternatives.

Moving toward cannabis decriminalization/regulation feels like a logical public health step to displace the spice market and actually keep people safer.

I’d love to get involved in advocacy or research work around this in Ireland. Does anyone know any local groups, student networks, or campaigns pushing for drug policy reform that I could reach out to?

I'd like to try smoking in my room, especially on rainy days when I can't go outside. The only problem is that I live in a shared rental house, and I believe there's a smoke alarm outside my room in the hallway. I know the best option is to smoke outside ( as always I do) , but I'd like to smoke in my room near the window every now and then. I'm worried about doing so because the smoke might escape from the room and disturb my tenants, who might report it to the landlord.