Cannabis law in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Possessing cannabis is a criminal offence in Ireland whatever the quantity, and so are cultivating it without a licence and supplying it. Cannabis products can be prescribed for medical use only by a medical consultant, for three specified conditions, to patients on the HSE register.

RuleWhat applies
Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adultCriminal offence [1]
Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adultNo quantity is lawful: it is an offence to have a controlled drug in possession, and cannabis is a controlled drug. [2]
Growing at homePersonal use by an adultProhibited [2]
Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adultProhibited [1]
Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adultProhibited [2]
Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adultLegal for medical use [3]
VisitorsPersonal use by an adultNot addressed in the source [2]

Notes

  • Possession of a controlled drug is an offence whatever the quantity. The Garda Síochána say the Government has no plans to legalise cannabis and that THC-infused products are controlled too; CBD is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation.
  • Cultivating any plant of the genus Cannabis is an offence unless done under a licence issued under section 14(1) of the Act. The Garda Síochána say policy has not permitted cultivation for medical purposes.
  • The possession offence in section 3 is not limited to any place, so it applies in public and in private.
  • Only cannabis products listed in the 2019 Regulations can be prescribed, only by a medical consultant on the Specialist Division of the Medical Council register, and only for a person entered in the HSE Cannabis for Medical Use Register. The three specified indications are spasticity in multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and severe refractory epilepsy. Text read as made in 2019; later amendments (for example to Schedule 1) were not read.
  • Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 applies to 'a person' and sets no condition of residence or nationality.

Sources

  1. An Garda Síochána: Is cannabis legal? (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts), Office of the Attorney General: Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (revised, updated to 29 July 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Irish Statute Book (Office of the Attorney General): S.I. No. 262/2019 - Misuse Of Drugs (Prescription And Control Of Supply Of Cannabis For Medical Use) Regulations 2019 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.