In the past week, we have learned that not only 50% of edible ‘cannabis jellies’ tested by authorities have been contaminated with largely unknown synthetic compounds, and contain no THC but that a bad batch of allegedly contaminated heroin has hit the streets of Dublin, causing unprecedented numbers of overdose in the course of a single day.

Both stories emerged within days of one another and highlight again the abject failure that is Ireland’s current drug policy.

This crisis needs a dramatic and robust response that will save lives and be resilient against the fluctuations of an illicit drug market.

Under prohibition and criminalisation, we will always be behind these emerging trends. We are seeing the consequences of this right now.

Two measures could have prevented both of these issues:

Legal, regulated sales alongside safe consumption facilities.

Current drug policy is affecting all drug users, and until a radical reform is implemented, contaminated supply will continue to tear through all communities.