Ireland

Possession is a criminal offence. Since December 2020 police may give an adult caution instead of prosecuting a first cannabis possession, at their discretion and only for people without relevant convictions. Otherwise the first two offences are fine-only; a third can bring prison. Between late 2020 and early 2024 about 5,100 people were cautioned and over 17,000 charged.

• Letterkenny Live — Drug cautions 'clearly not working' as cannabis possession charges top 17,000
• Offaly Express — Penalty eased for first-offence cannabis possession for personal use

Cultivation is a criminal offence, with prison possible even for a few plants.

• Government of Ireland — Report of the working group on alternative approaches to possession of drugs for personal use

Cautions and fines for early offences, prison possible from the third. Most people caught are still brought to court.

• Letterkenny Live — Drug cautions 'clearly not working' as cannabis possession charges top 17,000
• Offaly Express — Penalty eased for first-offence cannabis possession for personal use

Supply, including unpaid sharing, is an offence.

• Government of Ireland — Report of the working group on alternative approaches to possession of drugs for personal use

Use is prosecuted through the possession offence.

• Government of Ireland — Report of the working group on alternative approaches to possession of drugs for personal use
• Letterkenny Live — Drug cautions 'clearly not working' as cannabis possession charges top 17,000

No legal adult-use source. A Citizens' Assembly recommended a health-led approach to possession in 2023, which has not yet become law.

• Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use — ballot paper on possession for personal use (PDF)
• Government of Ireland — Report of the working group on alternative approaches to possession of drugs for personal use