3 Les Républicains mayors call for legalization of cannabis in France

The Mayors of Châteauroux, Charleville-Mézières, and Reims from the Les Républicains party called this weekend in an op-ed published in JDD to legalize cannabis in order to «annihilate trafficking and [...] ruin traffickers.».

Taking the opposite tack from the recent statements of the Minister of the Interior, who notably described the Cannabis From «shit,» the 3 mayors point to the laxity of current prohibition, which has failed for 50 years to make cannabis a public health concern and has resulted in the highest cannabis consumption in Europe.

«For decades, governments have had the sole policy of cannabis prohibition, while promising to allocate resources to combat trafficking. Yet, its business has never been more flourishing. So, will we continue to deny the obvious for long? «French-style» cannabis prohibition is a failure. In reality, laxity is what we have now. With the most repressive legislation in Europe, the French are nonetheless the biggest consumers.» reads.

Gil Avérous (Châteauroux), Boris Ravignon (Charleville-Mézières), and Arnaud Robinet (Reims) are highlighting 3 proposals that could serve as the basis for their regulation:

1. Legalize the consumption and possession of small quantities of cannabis, following the example of the 11 American states that have legalized it, as well as Uruguay and Canada
2. Regulate cannabis sales
3. Develop a French cannabis production sector with state-taxed distribution

«Legalizing cannabis is the best way to destroy trafficking and ruin traffickers. Also, the human and material resources that public authorities will no longer have to dedicate to this endless fight, we propose to redeploy them entirely to ensure both a large-scale prevention policy and to regain the public safety and tranquility that our fellow citizens demand,» they continue.

Robin Reda (LR), chairman of the fact-finding mission on cannabis use, who had recently positioned itself in favor of controlled legalization of cannabis, reacted to the op-ed by hoping that mayors and local elected officials will be heard in the «recreational cannabis» sequence that will begin in November and will be led by Caroline Janvier.

The futile fight against cannabis only reinforces the perception of impunity in our country. I hope that mayors and local elected officials will be heard soon as part of the task force on cannabis regulation that I chair at the’@AssembleeNat @moreaujb23 @CarolineJanvier https://t.co/s071Dg50IA

- Robin Reda (@robinreda) September 27, 2020

Jean-Baptiste Moreau (LREM) also supported Robin Reda's request.

They will be very quickly at @robinreda . We must challenge preconceived notions regarding the fight against drug trafficking. Total prohibition has failed. It is time to question the evolution of our legislation. https://t.co/kApsIoYWIF

- Jean-Baptiste Moreau (@moreaujb23) September 27, 2020