France Plans to Eliminate Prison Sentences for Cannabis Use by Year-End
France will introduce a new law to end prison terms for cannabis use by year-end, aligning with President Macron's campaign promise
Key Points
- 1France plans to end prison terms for cannabis use by the end of the year
- 2The proposed law fulfills a campaign promise by President Emmanuel Macron
- 3Current penalties include up to a year in jail and a 3,750 euro fine
- 4Government spokesman Castaner criticizes the current system as inefficient
- 5The initiative receives support from France's police officers' union
France is set to introduce legislation by the end of the year to eliminate prison sentences for cannabis use, fulfilling a campaign promise by President Emmanuel Macron. While the move stops short of decriminalizing cannabis entirely, it represents a significant shift in policy for one of the few EU countries that still criminalizes cannabis consumption. Government spokesman Christophe Castaner emphasized that the current system is inefficient and burdensome for law enforcement
Under the existing laws, individuals caught using cannabis in France face penalties of up to a year in prison and a fine of 3,750 euros. Castaner highlighted that drug-related offenses consume a substantial amount of police and judicial resources, averaging six hours each. The proposed changes aim to streamline law enforcement efforts, allowing police to focus on more pressing issues. "Is the system effective? No," Castaner remarked, underscoring the need for reform
The initiative has garnered support from law enforcement, with Patrice Ribeiro of the police officers' union acknowledging the practical benefits of the proposal. He noted that many officers already informally disregard minor cannabis offenses. This approach aligns with practices in countries like Portugal and several US states, where cannabis use has been decriminalized or legalized. France's move could signal a broader shift in European attitudes toward cannabis regulation