NORML France's proposals for legalizing cannabis in France

As the presidential campaign approaches, everyone is putting forward their own proposals to legalize the production and consumption of cannabis in France. Following the report by members of Congress from the cannabis fact-finding mission last week, and then the "Youth with Macron" group, the pro-legalization advocacy group NORML France has put forward 22 recommendations. The goal: to achieve a « a cannabis regulation policy that is both fair, »ethical and responsible.".

Highly critical of the government’s policies—and particularly those of its interior minister—the members denounce a « prohibitionist system regarding »the classification of narcotics, and cannabis in particular, is completely arbitrary.". NORML France is therefore calling for a «out-of-court settlement» cannabis in France. This term, which is heard much less often than “decriminalization,”, «involves removing the standard legal penalties for use and possession». This is the final step on the path to full legalization of cannabis.

According to the authors, this step should be accompanied by, «amnesties,», that is to say, « »the expungement of criminal records" for people who have committed a cannabis-related offense. This proposal is in direct opposition to that of Jeunes avec Macron. They propose granting licenses to produce and distribute cannabis « "subject to reaching the age of majority and having no criminal record (B2).". Many observers view this proposal as dangerous, as it would effectively exclude communities that have been affected by anti-cannabis laws. NORML’s proposal is modeled on the United States, where the government prioritizes licensing for individuals affected by the cannabis ban.

«Aself-production, Cannabis Social Club and Business Model« 

Following the «decriminalization» of cannabis, NORML envisions its legalization throughout France. This legalization is based on three principles: « self-production, Cannabis »Social Club and Innovative Business Model", according to the association.

The members are making an ambitious request. First, «i»Establish a right to produce for personal use", that is, being able to grow cannabis in one’s garden or basement. It also recommends «Do not impose quantity limits on self-production.». This proposal is unlikely to come to fruition, since states restrict personal cultivation. In the United States, for example, a maximum of 8 plants are allowed in Montana, 6 in South Dakota, and zero in New Jersey.

NORML predicts The arrival of Cannabis Social Club (CSC) in France, just like in Barcelona. What’s that all about? It’s about allowing « users and growers toto unite »to grow cannabis and distribute it among themselves.". To justify this, the association points out «Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights [which] includes the right to establish and maintain relationships with other human beings for the purpose of personal development». Even though this article makes no mention of cannabis, but rather of «freedom of association». 

Little prevention

Finally, members want a « social and solidarity-based business model and alternative short supply chains« . To that end, they recommend «fromOpen up the retail market to specialty stores and allow for a wider range of products »limit sales to tobacco shops and refuse to sell in supermarkets".

Where NORML differs from other organizations seeking to regulate cannabis in France is in its evidence-based approach to the risks of cannabis. Thus, right at the beginning of the report, the authors emphasize that cannabis use «cannot be" lethaland that this product is estimated to be significantly less harmful than alcohol»based on a strong consensus among international experts". According to their proposals, cannabis prevention would be carried out in specialized educational settings, with the aim of « legalize cannabis« .

The other provisions provide for «from iProhibit the sale of cannabis to minors, with an exception for those over 16 who can provide proof of parental consent or a »doctor". They also plan to list the THC content on the packaging and require special packaging to prevent children from opening the bags containing THC-infused edibles.