French Polynesia repeals its law on medical cannabis

The Assembly of French Polynesia recently voted to repeal the law of January 5, 2023, which aimed to pave the way for the legalization of medical cannabis. The decision, prompted by the complexity of implementing the original law, sparked debate among the archipelago's various political currents. Nevertheless, it should pave the way for a new, more rational and effective framework for medical cannabis in the region.

Repeal to legalize

Political game or real necessity? In any case, the assembly session focused on repealing the law of January 5, 2023, which initiated the legalization of the medical use of cannabis in Polynesia, but was deemed too complex to be implemented in time. It required numerous deliberations and decrees. And the absence of implementing regulations in the initial law rendered it null and void 1 year after its vote, hence the repeal.

TNTV reported that repeal was a controversial issue, with the Tavini and A'Here ia Porinetia majority voting against the law described as a «gas factory» by Moetai Brotherson. The complications of the original law were acknowledged by unaffiliated representatives, including Nicole Sanquer, who stressed the importance of depoliticizing the process.

Despite expressing skepticism about the government's motives, Ms. Sanquer voted in favor of repeal, emphasizing the urgent need to address the reality of therapeutic cannabis use in the country. She stressed the need for a more effective and targeted approach, echoing the feeling that the previous attempt had been more about electoral strategy than practical governance.

Medical cannabis and hemp

Moetai Brotherson's government will now have to draw up a new text that will simplify the eligibility process, include traditional practitioners among those authorized to distribute therapeutic cannabis and authorize the import of cannabis-based medicines. The Minister of Health, Cedric Mercadal, has assured that the new draft text will be submitted before the end of December, with a presentation to the Assembly scheduled for January.

The government also needs to legislate on the establishment of a hemp industry, a challenge compounded by the fact that studies in progress at Institut Louis Malardé on the census of local cannabis varieties. The future text on hemp could be aligned with metropolitan France and its maximum THC threshold for plants and products derived from them, i.e. less than 0.3 % THC.

This strategic approach is designed to facilitate implementation and address concerns about the unregulated use of cannabis products. Local associations Nevertheless, the 1% THC level is a good choice. in the plant by virtue of the climate, which is highly conducive to the development of cannabinoids in hemp.