[Ironeek]

Luke Flanagan: Cannabis worth €1.1bn to our economy

Speaking to Hot Press, pro-cannabis campaigner and Mayor of Roscommon Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan talks drugs, recounts his run-ins with the law, and explains why he’s in with a good chance of winning a seat in the upcoming general election



In a remarkably open and honest interview in Hot Press, controversial pro-cannabis campaigner and current Mayor of Roscommon Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan claims that the legalisation of cannabis is worth approximately €1.1bn to the Irish economy: "I'll be very quick to tell them that I estimate it's worth about €1.1bn that would go in very rapidly to our economy if they legalise it."
However, while Flanagan is passionate in his support of the recreational use of cannabis, he is less impressed with other drugs. “I’ve tried cocaine and I’ve tried ecstasy and I’ve tried acid and I don’t really like them, they just don’t suit me. I like to be in control and there are two drugs that I feel I can control – cannabis and alcohol. They’re my recreational drugs of choice.”
Recounting his run-ins with the law, Luke tells Hot Press: "I was, I estimate, searched between 16 and 20 times in an 18 months period. I was strip searched on six occasions… "
On his reaction to the current economic crisis he is optimistic about Ireland’s prospects. "When your back is to the wall you have two choices: you lay down and die or you come out fighting,” he says. “I think we can come out fighting and I think we can win."

[Hundred Gram Oz]

Glad to hear people, speaking the truth. Let's hope our wee island has a legal cannabis community in the near future....not taking any bet's though

[Ironeek]

Legalise cannabis for recreational use....Dont hold you'r breath.
Legalise for Medicinal use....Could in my opinion be achieved within a few years. A far more attainable goal imho

Originally Posted by Ironeek

Legalise for Medicinal use....Could in my opinion be achieved within a few years. A far more attainable goal imho

It would be nice but it will never happen, they may allow cannabis based drugs but thats about it..
You cant even get a licence to grow non drug strain hemp in this backwards disaster of a country, growing your own meds legally is a long long way off.

Harney was looking into canna based meds but I'd say thats off the agenda since the fat rat swam from the sinking ship.

[Ironeek]

Have to disagree with ya there bosco when you say it "will never happen". It may not be for 10 or 20 years. It may not even happen in your or my lifetime, but it will happen

A growing conscience is forming throughout the world both on the futility of prohibition and to the extent medicinal properties and uses of cannabis.

The debate on growing hemp and medicinal cannabis is like comparing chalk and cheese (mmmm...cheese).

Fuck Mary Hearney and the rest of FF!!! Below is a (possibly incomplete) list of candidates running for the 2011 general elections who at least publically favor ending prohibition, though its likely more do but won't admit it.

Parties:
Socialist Party
Fis Nua


People
Gordon McArdle - Author of The Compassionate Use Of Medical Cannabis Act - Independent - Dublin North Central

Emmet Stagg - Sitting TD - Labour - Kildare North

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan - Current Mayor of Roscommon and cannabis activist - Independent - Roscommon

Joe Higgins - Sitting MEP - Socalist Party - Dublin

Dr.Bill Tormey - Councillor - Fine Gael - Dublin North/West

[The_Grim_Reefer]

I dont think it's too far off. Then again you never really know, do ya. If something aint done fairly soon though, i for 1 will be packing up and moving to a country which allows me to live as i wish. Theres a few countries in the EU alone that will let ya, couldnt be arsed living in paranoia

Love the list Ironeek