Belgian experts call for social legalization of cannabis

Three Belgian experts publish a book encouraging the social implementation of cannabis legalization.

A non-mercantile social approach

Economist Paul de Grauw, criminologist Tom Decorte and toxicologist Jan Tytgat propose a detailed plan for a social system of cannabis legalization in Belgium.

The three personalities first suggest an overhaul of current legislation. Belgium authorizes possession of up to three grams and one cannabis plant. They propose that self-cultivation be authorized up to 6 feet at home, or 6 feet per person in a cannabis social club. «We have to consider a certain degree of legalization, because the policy of repression has failed and consumption is higher than ever». The three authors rule out setting up a recreational industry, but advocate companies specializing in medical cannabis. «On this subject, politicians have often criticized scientists for being vague or dreamy, but this is concrete. In any case, we wanted to put some concrete proposals on the table.»

Cannabis social clubs and public monopolies in favor

The cannabis social club would be a model worth developing, according to the authors. Like the cannabis social club «Bon Pied Bonne Herbe», acquitted on November 29 by the Tournai court, these associations seem to have a future. The authors would like each member of a cannabis social club to have 6 plants per shared crop. These non-profit organizations would not be allowed to organize events or sell their products. harvest.

For the moment, the cannabis social club «bon pied bonne herbe» is still in the hands of the courts, as the prosecutor has appealed the judges' decision.

If the alternative of cannabis social clubs doesn't suit the Belgian authorities, Tom de Corte suggests another: «We could imagine a public monopoly, rather like Sweden's alcohol monopoly, which is distributed by a public body. In the event of distribution under a public monopoly, economist Paul de Grauw suggests a tax that would slow the decline in the cost of cannabis.

The book Cannabis onder controle  has not yet been translated into French, but is due to arrive in bookshops in February and will cost €20. .