France: Mayor of Bègles proposes experimenting with the legalization of cannabis

The mayor of Bègles, Clément Rossignol-Puech, proposed to make his city, in Gironde, France, the first territory to experiment with the legalization of cannabis. The President believes that the only way to reduce consumption and avoid negative consequences is through highly supervised legalization and hopes to lift the taboo to reopen the debate around this issue.

Clément Rossignol-Puech quoted a recent report of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (Cese), which is in favor of supervised legalization of cannabis for adult/recreational use. It argues that current solutions to drug-related problems have not been successful and that it is time to try something new.

Avis de bon sens rendu par le Cese. En tant que maire confronté aux trafics, I propose à @EmmanuelMacron @Elysium of faire of a commune of #begles en #Gironde le premier territoire d'experimentation pour la culture, la vente et la consommation encadrée du #cannabis recreational https://t.co/8w1wcntYnO

— Clement Rossignol Puech (@clemrossignol) January 25, 2023

A psychiatrist specializing in addiction, Jean-Michel Delile, supports the mayor's proposal, on the condition that legalization is regulated very strictly. Delile notes that cannabis poses a significant public health problem in France, with nearly a million daily users, and can lead to dangerous consequences for young people. He believes it is crucial to maintain a ban on minors and young adults, as cannabis use can be particularly harmful for this age group.

Delile cites examples from North America and other countries, where legalization has led to a reduction in consumption and the creation of effective prevention policies. He believes legalization would allow for more transparent access to care and reduce the stigmatization of addicts.

The mayor claims that France's current and repressive approach to drug issues is not working as it has the most repressive legislation in Europe but still has a large number of users. He hopes that his proposal will be taken into consideration by French President Emmanuel Macron and that he can have a productive debate with ministers on the issue.