Calls for 18 joints and the legalization of cannabis in France

As they have done every year since 1993, the Cannabis Sans Frontière collective and the CIRC are calling on people to gather today to celebrate «The Call of the 18th» on the lawns of La Villette in Paris, from 5 to 9 p.m.

This year’s lineup will include Michka, among others, to mark the release of her book *The Grand Dame of Cannabis Reveals All*« and Dr. Bertrand Lebeau, who had already been supporting him during his legal troubles and who both participated in the First International Cannabis Day at the Trianon in Paris in 1993.

Behind this festive celebration lies the Call of the 18th Joint wishes «to propose alternatives to the failed prohibition policy pursued for the past 50 years, by calling on the government to assess the results of the law of December 31, 1970.» He also deplores «the legislative status quo and a regressive, repressive policy.».

The organizers have taken the current health situation into account and are asking «for failing to share a joint, [share] the info, and [spread their] ideals by creating a big buzz.... ».

In Polynesia, a campaign for medical cannabis

Tahiti Herb Culture is organizing a rally today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the French Polynesian Assembly in Papeete. The association is campaigning for clinical trials on medical cannabis to be allowed in Polynesia, an archipelago not included in France’s upcoming medical cannabis pilot program. It also envisions Polynesia as a cannabis-growing region for mainland France and intends to submit the overseas territory’s application as an «official supplier.».

Last March, the association had already campaigned to advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis in French Polynesia by planting a cannabis plant in front of the Polynesian Assembly. Karl Anihia, president of THC, was sentenced to a three-month suspended prison term for this act of activism, a sentence he has appealed.

Opinion piece in *L'Obs* calling for the legalization of cannabis in France

Led by Representative François-Michel Lambert, more than 60 elected officials from across the political spectrum, doctors, and advocacy groups are calling for the legalization of cannabis in a forum in *L'Obs*.

Citing safety, health, social, and economic arguments, the op-ed recommends drawing inspiration from foreign models of legalization to develop a French policy for regulating cannabis. It further notes that neither prohibition nor lockdowns have had any effect on the cannabis use in France.

The op-ed also suggests decriminalizing cannabis as soon as possible for all adult users «as most of our European neighbors have done,» before beginning a discussion on legalization.

François-Michel Lambert had introduced a bill in 2019 to legalize cannabis in France under a state monopoly responsible for the production and distribution of cannabis, with cannabis sold in tobacco shops.