French senators are calling for urgent cannabis legalization, not just decriminalization
Through
A letter published in Le Monde examines several options for legalizing cannabis in France. By launching a consultation process, the European country hopes to peak by proposing a new law to legalize recreational cannabis.
Among the 31 senators who co-signed the letter calling for the consultation process to start were socialist, ecological and republican groups, such as socialist Patrick Kanner and David Assouline, senators from the North and Paris respectively.
Decriminalization is not an option
Senators rejected the idea of decriminalization, saying it was a demagogic option that would uphold the existing ban. Days ago, Le Monde, which has called the current situation in France “unsustainable”, published the appeal to senators and said it was time to face reality head-on.
“Nearly 18 million of our fellow citizens have used cannabis recreationally, according to a recent report from the National Assembly,” the senators’ report said. “Although it is forbidden, 1.5 million consume it regularly.”
In fact, the senators argue that legalization is a social issue that should be embraced by public authorities. Accordingly, the government must respond to existing legitimate concerns.
RELATED: Majority of Europeans Support Legal Weed, But Which Country Will Do Something About It?
“Decriminalization is a ‘cynical and populist’ option, characterized by maintaining the ban while abolishing the penalties imposed,” the letter reads. Furthermore, the senators went on to say: “Decriminalization comes at the price of social peace only with a certain cynicism, and they categorically reject this demagogic and populist option.”
Photo by Florian Wehde via Unsplash
Legalization: A solution to protect youth
According to the letter, this legal action could be compared to existing public policies on tobacco and alcohol, or even gambling. It also said that “legalization will provide the means to act more effectively to better protect citizens, and young people in particular.”
In addition, senators agree that legalization could generate tax revenue for the state that will boost the economy, particularly in the judiciary and law enforcement sectors.
RELATED: The best and worst countries (possibly) for getting caught with pot
In 2019, 70 doctors, economists and other professionals wrote a column in L’Obs explaining why they wanted to legalize cannabis.
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
Post a comment: