Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty visitied Stormont for a debate on the legalisation of cannabis involving students from local schools.
Students from St. Paul’s Bessbrook, Newry High School, Newtownhamilton High School and St. Joseph’s High School Crossmaglen gathered in the Assembly on Wednesday to debate the issue of legalising cannabis for medicinal uses and for recreational purposes.
The outcome of the debate found that most students were in favour of legalisation for medicinal purposes and only around a third of the pupils voted in favour of legalisation for recreational purposes.
The event was hosted by ‘Politics in Action’, a fresh initiative providing young people with a voice on current political and social issues. Mr McNulty said afterwards: “Pupils from all schools gave thoughtful, well-reasoned and interesting arguments on the subject. I loved engaging with young people and hearing their strong views and would love to take part in more positive and open discussions in this format.”