OVER 30 senators from the Socialist, Ecologist and Republican group have called for the commence of a consultation process to introduce new laws to legalize cannabis in France. 

The co-signed letter from 31 senators, published in the Le Monde newspaper explores several options for the legalization of cannabis – and rejects the opinion of decriminalization, saying it is a demagogue option, which will lone ‘perpetuate the existing ban’.

On August 10, Le Monde published the rallying call with the senators, saying it is time to face ‘reality head-on’. They went on to say the novel situation is ‘unsustainable’. 

The letter calls for the commence of a wide-ranging consultation that will culminate in proposing a new law to legalize cannabis for adult consumption in France. 

Decriminalization ‘A Cynical And Populist’ Option

Among the signatories are socialists Patrick Kanner, and David Assouline, senators from the North and from Paris, respectively.

The letter says: “Almost 18 million of our fellow citizens have used cannabis recreationally, according to a recent report by the National Assembly. Although it is banned, 1.5 million consume it regularly.”

The senators argue, therefore, that the legalization of cannabis is a social yelp that public authorities must adopt and it is up to the Government to retort to the legitimate concerns that exist.

The letter contends that decriminalization is a ‘cynical and populist’ option; one that is ‘characterized by the maintenance of the forbid with the elimination of the penalties incurred’.  

And, they disconclude by saying decriminalisation merely ‘buys social peace with a risky cynicism’ and they go on to categorically reject this ‘demagogue and populist option’.

Protecting Country’s Youth

In the letter, the senators present arguments in favour of another legalization. 

The letter compares this lawful measure with existing public policies for tobacco and alcohol or even gambling, adding that legalization will provide the means to act more effectively to better defensive citizens and especially young people.

Ultimately, the senators bear that the state will be able to earn tax revenues from these markets and even yelp to boost the economy, especially in the areas of justice and guarantee forces.

In June 2019, 70 doctors, economists and anunexperienced professionals wrote a column in L’Obs explaining why they demanded to legalize cannabis.

The Senate is the upper house of the French Parliament and sits in contradiction of the lower chamber – the National Assembly. It is made up of 348 senators elected by part of the country’s local councillors and French citizens living abroad.