To respond to the COVID-19 crisis, the PRG proposes legalizing cannabis

To meet the economic and societal challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Parti Radical de Gauche (PRG) publishes 42 proposals «for tomorrows that change».

From the right to die with dignity to a digital charter of human rights, the PRG outlines a more humane 6th Republic that respects individual freedoms.

The 5th proposal is part of this movement: legalize cannabis.

«We propose, for reasons of public health, public order and the reintegration of all territories into the Republic, to legalize cannabis and make its production and distribution public,» describes the manifesto.

Historically, the subject of cannabis has been one of the PRG's main areas of work, and for several years it has supported a policy of regulation, in particular to «destroy the underground economy, solve the public order problems caused by cannabis trafficking, and also solve public health problems».» as Jean-Michel Baylet in 2012 when he was president of the PRG.

For Guillaume LACROIX, current president of the PRG, «the situation is serious and the responses must be strong, realistic and immediately applicable. Now is not the time for incantations, but for action to extinguish the crises that are already here, and not to give rise to a regime crisis.»

Cannabis as an economic booster

Several American states, including New York and New Mexico, are currently pushing for federal legalization to deal with the multi-billion dollar budget deficit caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The argument convinced even Republican members of parliament, usually more reluctant to legalize cannabis.

Other countries like Costa Rica or Ecuador have already put their faith in hemp and medical cannabis to cope with the coming crisis.