Jean-Christophe Lagarde reiterates his support for the legalization of cannabis in France

Jean-Christophe Lagarde, President of the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI) and member of the National Assembly representing Seine-Saint-Denis, was this morning Sud Radio's political guest, with Patrick Roger and Cécile de Ménibus

Topics covered in the interview: Trump, the race for the presidency of the National Assembly, the UDI’s summer conference, the European elections, the French national soccer team… and cannabis.

When questioned by impersonator Dany Moreau, who was posing as Jean-Jacques Bourdin, a deceptively blunt question was posed: «Since you don’t seem to have had a youth, is that why you’re in favor of legalizing cannabis today?»

Noting in passing that the question was very poorly phrased, Jean-Christophe Lagarde replied bluntly:

«Yes, I’m in favor of legalizing cannabis, and I’ll tell you why: because I’ve noticed that in every country where cannabis has been legalized, there are fewer users than in France, and I’m sick of us constantly trying to ease our consciences by saying, «Cannabis is bad!» Of course it’s not good; of course we shouldn’t use drugs, but when we ban something, we don’t stop it. When we legalize and regulate it, we reduce our kids» use. But the question we should be asking isn’t how to make ourselves feel better about it—it’s whether or not we’re saving our kids.”

"I support the legalization of cannabis. I'm sick of people trying to ease their conscience with a ban that doesn't work. When you legalize something, you regulate it." @jclagarde #SudRadio

— UDI (@UDI_off) September 6, 2018

Jean-Christophe Lagarde has long been an advocate for the legalization of cannabis in France. In particular, he had offered its support to Vincent Peillon in 2012, when he spoke out about the need for a debate on the decriminalization of cannabis—a stance that nearly cost him his job. The opposition had fallen on him With full force, Copé called it «unacceptable,» Fillon called it «irresponsible and dangerous,» Baroin called it «irresponsible,» and Dati called it «serious and irresponsible.».

Meanwhile, Uruguay has legalized cannabis, as have 10 U.S. states, plus 20 others for medical use; Canada will legalize it in October; and nearly all European countries except France have decriminalized it, with most also offering legal access to medical cannabis.