BY FRANK FARRAGHER

STUDENTS are being advised on the official NUI Galway website that if they are going to use cannabis, they should ‘do it discreetly’ and ‘preferably in their own home’.

The NUI Galway Student Counselling Service has warned students that if convicted of cannabis possession, they can face a substantial fine and a criminal conviction that could affect their future careers and travel plans.

Under the heading of ‘cannabis and the law’, the NUI Galway Counselling Service advises students that are going to use cannabis, to be ‘cautious’ about where and when they use the drug.

“Possession of cannabis is a criminal offence in Ireland and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. It may be argued that cannabis should be legalised and many people take this viewpoint, but it remains illegal,” the Student Counselling Service advise on the NUI Galway website.

They advise students that they face a fine of up to €635 for being in possession of the drug – for a third offence there is an unrestricted fine and a possible three year jail term, the website states.

A Garda spokesman declined to make any comment on the contents of the website but advised students to be ‘very aware’ of the consequences of a drugs conviction for their future lives.

“There is a caution system in place that applies to first time offenders, but if it happens again, then a court case will follow with the likelihood of a drugs conviction being recorded against the individual involved.

“We would warn students that such a conviction really has major implications in terms of later life as regards their careers and also in relation to foreign travel.

“There are many countries, including America, who just will not allow in anyone with a drugs conviction recorded against them. Students really do need to think ahead in terms of drugs and how it could impact on them, later on in life,” said the Garda spokesman.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel