The illicit products produced from the cannabis plant such as dried plant material, commonly known as ‘grass’ or ‘marijuana’ and the resin secreted by the plant, commonly known as ‘hash’ are known to be the most highly abused drugs in the world. The increase in potency of the psychoactive ingredient of these products, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is of much concern in many countries. This increase is thought to be attributed to hybridisation of different varieties of the plant and also a better understanding of the best cultivation practices to increase the THC content whilst the plant grows.

Most of the cannabis products seized by An Garda Síochána in Ireland are thought to be imported from countries where it is specifically grown for exportation, however, surges in cannabis cultivation here in Ireland has become a major problem in recent times, this will be discussed.