The issue of legalizing cannabis in France has become a hot topic of debate in recent years. The socialist senator from Rhône, Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, recently took an important step by submitting a transpartisan bill to the Senate, calling for controlled legalization of cannabis. This courageous initiative aims to challenge the failure of cannabis prohibition and pave the way for more pragmatic and effective regulation. Let's take a closer look at what this proposal proposes and the issues surrounding it.
The main points of the proposal:
Senator Devinaz's bill stands out from previous attempts by combining elements of the Canadian model of cannabis legalization and German proposals. One of the central points of the proposal is the creation of a regulatory agency called the “National Cannabis Control and Management Agency”. This agency would be responsible for issuing licenses for all cannabis-related activities, as well as controlling product quality and overseeing prevention and risk reduction measures.
The production of cannabis would be authorized for farmers who request it, as well as for “Cannabis Social Clubs” which would be included in the legal framework. The sale of cannabis would take place in specialized stores, which could also offer consumption spaces like Dutch coffeeshops. A taxation system would be put in place, with a tax of 33% and fixed costs depending on the quantity purchased.
Points to clarify:
Although the proposal covers a large part of the aspects related to the regulation of cannabis, there are still some gray areas. Some points require further clarification, including self-cultivation (how many plants would be allowed?), the minimum age to legally purchase or grow cannabis (18, 21, or 25?), the question of automatic expungement criminal records for those convicted of cannabis-related offenses, and transition mechanisms for illegal to legal market participants. In addition, the possibility of home delivery has not been specified.
Future prospects:
If this bill were adopted, it would come into force from January 1, 2030. In the meantime, the National Cannabis Control and Management Agency would be responsible for defining a precise regulatory framework. This proposal has the merit of sparking a constructive debate on the legalization of cannabis in France, especially in the face of current conservative resistance. Senator Devinaz believes this is a step in the right direction to break the silence and address this issue responsibly.
Conclusion: The proposal for controlled legalization of cannabis tabled by Senator Gilbert-Luc Devinaz opens the way to a more in-depth debate on the issue in France. If adopted, this proposal would provide a clear regulatory framework for the production, sale and consumption of cannabis. However, some aspects still require clarification, including self-cultivation, minimum age and transition mechanisms for illegal market participants. In any case, this parliamentary initiative marks a significant step forward towards a more progressive approach to cannabis policy in France.