Polynesian Government Advances Cannabis Legislation with Strategic Discussions
French Polynesia's President Moetai Brotherson advances cannabis legislation by engaging with key stakeholders to draft a new law by month's end
Key Points
- 1President Moetai Brotherson leads cannabis law discussions in French Polynesia
- 2Key focus areas include medical cannabis, industrial hemp, and CBD
- 3Local production aims to reduce hemp product imports
- 4Brotherson previously proposed Cannabis Clubs for personal cultivation
- 5Challenges remain due to French regulations on recreational use
The President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, has initiated a significant step towards cannabis legislation by meeting with key stakeholders, including Karl Anihia from Tahiti Herb Culture and Philippe Cathelain of the Polynesian Hemp Union. The discussions, which took place on Tuesday evening, focused on developing a comprehensive cannabis law by the end of the month. This move aligns with the Tavini party's campaign promises and highlights the urgent need for reform in the region
The meeting was a landmark event, marking a departure from previous government inaction. Philippe Cathelain expressed satisfaction with the proactive approach of President Brotherson, noting that previous attempts to engage with former President Fritch had been ignored. Brotherson's willingness to engage immediately upon returning from a mission underscores his commitment to addressing the needs of patients who rely on cannabis for medical purposes
Four main areas were covered during the discussions: therapeutic cannabis, industrial hemp, CBD, and the national recreational cannabis legislation. The focus on industrial hemp includes plans to reduce imports by producing hemp-based products locally. These initiatives have garnered support from the cosmetic industry, which is eager to participate in developing local hemp products
Moetai Brotherson's history with cannabis legislation dates back to his time as a deputy when he proposed a law to regulate cannabis use socially in French Polynesia. This proposal included the establishment of Cannabis Clubs for personal cultivation. Although the proposal stalled in the legislative process, the recent meeting signals a renewed effort to move forward with cannabis reform
Looking ahead, the integration of local associations into working groups in the coming weeks marks a significant collaborative effort. However, Brotherson cautioned that discussions on recreational use would be complex due to existing French regulations. Despite the challenges, the high prevalence of cannabis use in Polynesia, with 50% of those over 15 years old consuming it, underscores the pressing need for legislative progress