TD LETTER TEMPLATE
Dear Minister,
We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe in these uncertain times.
Little Collins' mission is to serve, protect and represent our valued customers.
Today, the 27th of July 2021 - we feel as if we have failed in our duty of care to our customers at the hands of the DPP for a second time. A customer of ours who has been utilising our products for medicinal reasons (as advised by her GP) has been summoned to court for possession of our products. The customer was treating her epilepsy with our legal products and has now been criminalised for it.
Does this seem justifiable to you?
The second instance is currently on-going whereby a young man is being charged with possession of a "controlled drug" that was legally purchased from us. If charged, he will never be able to pursue a career in Social Care because of Garda vetting laws - despite having gone to college for 6 years where he graduated with a degree in Applied Social Studies as well as a Masters in International Business that will be null in void as criminals won't get international visa clearance.
Does this seem fair to you?
On behalf of all our other customers, most of which use our products to increase their overall well-being, we would like to address our concerns regarding the Irish government's inaccurate and misleading interpretation of EU regulations governing the operation of the hemp industry.
Hemp foods have been available in Ireland for many decades and CBD products of all descriptions have been widely sold on the Irish market for many years.
Why is it now the government is trying to victimise our customers and classify them as criminals?
The actions of Irish regulators run counter to positive developments in Europe following the recent ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
In addressing the scientific safety and the legality of CBD products made from any part of the hemp plant, the recent judgement of the CJEU in Case C-663/18 reached three important findings:
i.) The CBD at issue in the main proceedings does not appear to have any psychotropic effect or any harmful effect on human health on the basis of available scientific data.
ii.) The CBD at issue in the main proceedings is not a drug within the meaning of the Single Convention.
iii.) A Member State may not prohibit the marketing of cannabidiol (CBD) legally produced in another MS when it is extracted from the cannabis sativa plant in its entirety [including the flowers and fruiting tops] and not only from its fibres and seeds.
Ireland's approach is out of step with regulations and positive developments and indications at EU level. It is extremely disappointing that newly restrictive and contradictory enforcement measures continue to be introduced by Irish competent authorities. The Irish government is only hurting Irish citizens who use our products to help them alleviate the stress of their day to day lives.
As a company all that we can ask for is immediate, appropriately clarified and workable rules that are consistent with EU legislation and regulations.
Little Collins hemp consumers are entitled to expect that their right as EU citizens to take full advantage of the Single Market will be upheld through the correct interpretation and application of EU legislation and regulation across all Member States, including Ireland.
We have to ask, why is Ireland not allowing for this?
We appreciate the many competing demands on your Ministerial and Departmental resources at present and I thank you in advance, on behalf of all our customers at Little Collins, for your time and attention in considering these important matters.
These important matters will impact those 2 customers' lives who have been wrongfully scrutinised in ways that you simply can’t imagine.
To be criminalised for being in possession of a product that is sold throughout Europe and indeed Ireland on a daily basis is criminal in itself!
I ask that you please take the time to take a step back, see the bigger picture and if you believe that you can assist us and our customers in any way possible, it would be much appreciated if you could reach out to us at your earliest convenience.
Please also confirm receipt of this letter once received.
Kind Regards,
Little Collins Management