Every morning I wake up with a silent battle — chronic pain and sleepless nights that bleed into groggy days. I’m not alone. Millions of people face this, and for many of us, cannabis, especially CBD, has become more than just a remedy. It’s a lifeline. It allows us to show up for our families, get through the day, and find some peace. But it wasn’t always this way. The story of cannabis is about more than laws and profits — it’s about people, healing, and reclaiming something that was never supposed to be taken from us.
A Global Medicine, Forgotten at Home
Cannabis has been used as medicine for thousands of years across cultures. In ancient China (2700 BCE), it was used to treat pain. In India, it was part of Ayurvedic healing. In the 1800s, even Irish doctors were prescribing cannabis tinctures for migraines, muscle cramps, and insomnia. But fear, propaganda, and international drug treaties changed all that.
By the 1930s, cannabis was banned in many Western countries. Ireland followed suit. In 1977, under the Misuse of Drugs Act, cannabis became illegal for any use — despite its long medical history. Patients were left with few natural options, and the stigma only grew.
The Shift Begins in Ireland and Across Europe
"Change is finally arriving — both at home and across Europe."
In Ireland, medical cannabis access began in 2019 through the Medical Cannabis Access Programme, but access is still limited, and only a small number of patients are approved for treatment. On the other hand, CBD is fully legal, as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC and is derived from EU-approved hemp strains. While many Irish still misunderstand the difference between cannabis and CBD, public support is growing.
Across Europe, the momentum is strong:
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In Germany, a major breakthrough came in 2024 with the legalisation of recreational cannabis — the largest EU economy to do so.
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Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Luxembourg have introduced progressive laws allowing broader access to cannabis.
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The European Court of Justice (2020) ruled that CBD is not a narcotic, which helped standardise regulation across the EU.
The result? More people than ever across Europe are embracing CBD and medical cannabis — not to get high, but to get help.
What We Hope to See
We believe the future of cannabis in Ireland should be focused on healing, not criminalisation.
Here’s what we hope and expect to see:
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Expanded access to medical cannabis for chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and cancer treatment.
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Better education for GPs and healthcare professionals on the benefits of cannabinoids.
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Clearer regulations that protect quality CBD brands and inform consumers.
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A growing Irish hemp and CBD industry that supports local farmers and small businesses — not just multinationals.
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Honest conversations in government that separate public health from outdated stigma.
Most importantly, we want cannabis policy to reflect the needs of real people, not just political or financial interests.
Our Promise to Ireland
At Bud Brothers, we’re here for the people who are tired of feeling ignored by the healthcare system. The ones who’ve tried everything and finally found relief through a simple plant. We believe in honest, affordable, plant-based wellness — and we believe Ireland deserves the same access and respect that other EU countries are already seeing.
This movement is growing. Not because of profits. But because people are tired of suffering in silence.
Whether you’re managing anxiety, dealing with chronic pain, or just trying to sleep better — we’re here with you. This is your story too. And the future of cannabis in Ireland is finally starting to sound like hope.
Sources:
• Department of Health Ireland – Medical Cannabis Access Programme (2019)
• European Court of Justice – CBD Legal Ruling (2020)
• German Parliament – Cannabis Legalisation Updates (2024)
• Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) – CBD and Cannabis Reports
• European Industrial Hemp Association – EU Hemp and CBD Industry Analysis