What fine for cannabis users in France?

The parliamentary report on making cannabis use a misdemeanor hasn't been released yet, but it might as well have been. Le Parisien did indeed acquire it this Saturday—four days before its official release—and revealed some excerpts from it.

To provide some context, two members of Congress, Eric Poulliat (En Marche) and Robin Reda (The Republicans) were assigned last September–October to hear testimony from several experts regarding the President of the Republic’s campaign promise to amend the 1970 law that currently regulates the use (consumption and possession) of cannabis in France. Emmanuel Macron had announced his intention to impose fines on users, and these hearings were intended to help define the future regulatory framework.

Two members of Congress, two proposals

Reflecting the nature of a topic that does not necessarily have a single answer, Mr. Poulliat and Mr. Reda each favor a different solution.

Mr. Poulliat, as a true member of La République En Marche, is staying within the guidelines set by Emmanuel Macron. He is proposing the implementation of a «fixed-amount civil fine,» issued by law enforcement and payable within 45 days, failing which the offender will face trial. However, this measure, created in 2016, does not apply to repeat offenders or minors, and in practice, it still cannot be enforced on the ground.

Mr. Reda proposes instead to remove the offense from the criminal code and impose a 4th- or 5th-category fine ranging from «150 to 200€.» The fine remains within the criminal justice system but eliminates prison sentences and does not establish a specific amount of cannabis «authorized.».

What happens next?

The parliamentary report on decriminalizing cannabis will be officially released on Wednesday. The stated goal of this reform, led by the Ministry of the Interior, was to save time for law enforcement and the justice system.

Does imposing a fine actually save time for law enforcement officers, who will have to apprehend the offender, confiscate the product, weigh it, store it, and issue the fine? Will the fine improve relations between law enforcement and residents of high-risk neighborhoods? What will be its impact on public health?

The report also does not address the therapeutic use of cannabis. Robin Reda, however, has discussed it in an interview on BFM TV yesterday. As for Mr. Poulliat, enough is enough.