Pr. Dautzenberg on Canal+'s Petit Journal

The Prof. Bertrand Dautzenberg, the renowned lung specialist who has revived the debate on legalization of cannabis in France on the occasion of the 20th French-language Pneumology Congress, appeared last night on Canal+'s Petit Journal to deliver a speech of truth, rarely heard on a French TV channel. His speech can be summed up in 3 points.

Consequences of decriminalizing cannabis in France

The decriminalization of cannabis in France would make it possible to reduce the quantities in circulation, while also making the product less harmful. Regulated decriminalization, with state control and taxation, would also require clear legislation on points of sale, with a quality of cannabis and clear labeling to inform consumers. Prevention in schools would also be facilitated if cannabis were legalized.

France is European champion in cannabis consumption, with 45% of young people having tried cannabis, 25% of them within the year. In Holland, where cannabis is less regulated, the figure is 29%. The stronger the legislation, the stronger the consumption. For consumption to decline, cannabis must be removed from its illegal status.

Harmfulness of cannabis

French smokers consume the «worst cannabis in the world»: joints with tobacco, and a product with no traceability. In the United States vaporization is developing, with fewer risks for smokers and known, controlled THC levels.

Pr. Bertrand Dautzenberg has also described the dangers of cannabis, summing it up as follows: all the problems of tobacco, plus all the problems of alcohol. Irritation of the lungs, then bronchitis, then lung cancer and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For the brain, acute consumption triples the risk of becoming schizophrenic.

A complicated debate to launch

It's very complicated for politicians to talk about cannabis, as people over 45 aren't ready for the debate. Pr. Bertrand Dautzenberg insists on the need to launch the debate among civil society before politicians can get to grips with it.

Daniel Vaillant, former Minister of the Interior from 2000 to 2002, also spoke out in favor of decriminalizing cannabis, in a interview with Les Inrocks, This week's cover story is entitled «Hollande: Sauvé par la weed?.

Mr Vaillant also complains about the silence of politicians on this subject, while understanding the difficulty of intervening on such an electorally sensitive issue. legal drugs more dangerous than cannabis when consumed without abuse. He also implies that François Hollande is attentive to the subject, without being in a position to move it forward.

See below: Pr. Dautzenberg's appearance on Canal+'s Petit Journal.