A bill to legalize cannabis before the French National Assembly

A number of left-of-centre MPs want to «decriminalize and legalize cannabis under strict state supervision». With this bill n°4746, MP Eric Coquerel (La France Insoumise, LFI) has attracted the support of other LFI MPs. He is also counting on some macronists like Caroline Janvier and Jean-Baptiste Moreau, as well as independents like ecologist Matthieu Orphelin and Corsican autonomist Jean-Félix Acquaviva.

In concrete terms, this text envisages the creation of a public cannabis monopoly, similar to La Poste's mail monopoly. This “Authority’production management and’exploitation du cannabis” (AEPEC) » control «production and distribution, as well as licenses granted for the retail sale of cannabis and cannabis products».». This is more or less the same model chosen by Quebec.

In terms of products, Eric Coquerel plans to rely on «today's agricultural regions’today's most troubled people».». Jean-Baptiste Moreau's signature is clearly visible here. The Member of Parliament for Creuse is one of those elected representatives who exercise a strong influence over their constituents. lobbying hard for his department to grow «green gold».

THC levels must be «This THC level must not be too low so as not to maintain the "high" THC level.’black market appeal.» The packaging containing flowers, oils or concentrates must be «neutral», like cigarette packets.

Proposal torpedoed by the Macronists

But this proposal already seems to be in bad shape. The text is currently being examined by the Social Affairs Committee, a preliminary stage in the journey towards a law. And, already, deputies from La République en Marche (LREM, Emmanuel Macron's party) are opposing it. A amendment supported by former Interior Minister Christophe Castaner is simply trying to make «delete »this text.

«The LREM group considers a legalization of recreational cannabis premature at this time. The Government is not in favor of its legalization. Back in July 2020, the Minister of the Interior placed the fight against drug trafficking among his three priorities. He believes that legalizing the recreational use of cannabis would not lead to a reduction in the level of trafficking, but rather an adaptation of criminal organizations towards new drugs», explain the Macronist parliamentarians.

The pro-legalization MPs will now refine their arguments. Objective: to convince the government and LREM MPs. MPs will discuss the text in plenary session this Monday, January 13. Given the importance of the social issue, it will certainly be broadcast live on television.