LR MP wants to raise cannabis fine to €10,000

MP Christelle D'Intorni, a member of the Les Républicains party and elected representative for the Alpes-Maritimes, wants to table a bill that would considerably increase fines for cannabis consumption.

At present, people caught using or possessing cannabis on the public highway are punished as follows a fine of 150 euros and a criminal record, If they meet a few conditions, such as carrying their ID card and being of age, they can be hired.

Ms. D'Intorni believes, however, that this system is not a deterrent, and wants to create «a real electroshock» by targeting consumers more widely, in order to curb trafficking.

To crack down harder on cannabis consumption, it offers increase the fine to 10,000 euros, and 15,000 euros in the case of repeat offences, as well as confiscating vehicles used to purchase illegal substances, and cancelling consumer grants and family allowances for parents of minors caught in repeat offences.

In addition to the fine, instead of the «one-year prison sentence and €3,750 fine» still applicable to cannabis use in France, she would like to increase the penalties to 2 years' imprisonment and a €45,000 fine.

While there's no doubt that cannabis use is widespread in France, Whether increasing fines is the best way to tackle the problem will be a matter of debate. Today, only 34% of fines are actually paid. Moreover, they are mainly aimed at young people from the suburbs, and so far have not had any impact on the community. had no effect other than to impose fines..

Ms. D'Intorni's proposal can be seen as a nod to the security aspect of current drug policy, without any proposals for the health aspect. In fact, she will shortly be received by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, rather than by Health Minister François Braun, who is theoretically in charge, like its European counterparts, addictions and drugs.

It remains to be seen whether the proposal will actually be tabled, and whether it will then find enough votes in the Assembly.