France's Outdated Answer to Cannabis

While the rest of the world is quickly legalizing, decriminalizing and selling cannabis in just about every way, shape or form, France continues to live in denial. A recent televised event continues to use the same people from 2014 who are "addicts", part of a 5% minority, and who have clear psychological problems as well. France has also the highest usage rate in Europe, and has the strictest laws regarding it. According to the Agence Nationale Santé Publique France, 700 000 Français fument du cannabis tous les jours et 1,4 millions d’entre eux fument au moins 10 joints par mois.(700,000 French smoke cannabis every day and 1.4 million smoke at least 10 joints per month).

Even during the recent election, only Hamon had the courage to speak out about it; the rest of the candidates were either silent or continued their status quo opposition of it. In nearby Switzerland, cannabinoid is now legal and being purchased at select tabacs in the larger cities.

According to a La Croix article, "À partir de janvier, les deux prélèvements seront effectués au bord des routes par les forces de l’ordre, puis envoyés à un laboratoire. Les résultats seront retournés à la police et permettront d’établir le délit. Ce type de contrôles va être démultiplié." (Starting in January, two intakes will be effectuated by the forces of order, then sent to a lab. The results will be returned to police and permit them to establish a verdict. This type of control will be multiplied).

Has France learned anything at all?