Several Île-de-France mayors in favor of legalizing cannabis

The newspaper Le Parisien a took out his phone to contact 36 mayors in the Île-de-France region. The question asked: «Are you in favor of legalizing cannabis, opposed to it, or do you have no opinion?» The results show that 50 %s are in favor of legalization, 22 %s are against it, while 28 %s did not express an opinion.

The local officials contacted by the newspaper are mayors of municipalities «on the front lines of traffic». They all have a Priority Security Zone (ZSP) in their municipality. This classification by the Ministry of the Interior relates to cities «affected by the deterioration of public order and peace.». This is the case for the Tarterêts housing project (Corbeil-Essonnes), Val-Fourré (Mantes-la-Jolie), and Bois-L’Abbé (Champigny-sur-Marne).

A 200-euro fine for a joint

France is the European country with the highest cannabis use. The country has 7 % regular users—that is, between 4 and 5 million people. But France has some of the strictest laws. In Germany, Belgium, or Italy, possession or use of cannabis is punishable by a fine only if a certain quantity is involved. In France, smoking a joint is punishable may result in a 200-euro fine. «Repression is counterproductive, just like Prohibition in the United States in the 1920s.», says Ali Rabeh, the mayor (Génération. s) of Trappes in the Yvelines department, as quoted by Le Parisien.

Gérald Darmanin announced on December 20 the launch of an online platform for reporting traffic congestion hotspots. But according to some local officials, it's pointless. «My experience as mayor over the past three years has changed my perspective on this issue […] I don’t see how we can stop trafficking through police and judicial means—it’s like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon.», says Raphaël Cognet, mayor (LR) of Mantes-la-Jolie.

Little by little, attitudes are changing. «I test the waters on this topic at public meetings. The older folks were vehemently opposed, but over the past ten years, I’ve seen their opinions change.», says Bertrand Kern, the Socialist Party mayor of Pantin.

However, some elected officials remain opposed to legalization. According to Manuel Aeschlimann, the mayor (LR) of Asnières, «Decriminalization means giving up.». Another one even lashed out at a reporter from the Parisian. «You’re getting on my nerves with this topic.» said the elected official, when reached by phone.