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Argument for legalising cannabis after concern over psychoactive substances in vapes

High-risk synthetic cannabinoids linked to ‘serious physical and mental harms’ found in vape products

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times – Letters to the Editor
Sat Aug 22 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – I note that the HSE says “agile legislation” is needed to deal with the emergence of new psychoactive substances (“Cannabinoids linked to psychosis found in vapes sold in Ireland,” August 20th).

I suggest that straightforward legislation to legalise organic cannabis and its derivatives would be simpler as it would make the endless variations of synthetic cannabinoids redundant.

Canada has legalised and taxed cannabis and, as far as I could observe, the sky over that country has not fallen in. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK TALTY,

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Tulla,

Co Clare.