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Thu 05 May 2004Legalisation of cannabis ruled out by MinisterThe Minister for Justice has ruled out the legalisation of cannabis in Ireland, on foot of new EU proposals aimed at harmonising drug legislation within the 25 member-states.The proposals provide a common EU definition of drug trafficking punishable in all states and minimum sentences for the offences. States will be obliged to outlaw certain conduct such as the manufacture, sale, importation and exportation of drugs. However, the use of certain drugs for personal use will remain under the control of national laws.