What if cannabis were legalised in France…

Many French citizens would like to see the model followed by a few states on the other side of the Atlantic, not for the American dream but for the legal status given there to marijuana. If France were to legalise cannabis tomorrow, what would the impact be?

Legalisation would call for many changes

Cannabis in the middle of the street? Were that to become possible, dedicated smoking areas would have to be set up. Just as cigarette smokers have a specific place to go, marijuana users would have to be given the same arrangements. That would apply to streets, but also to workplaces and airports.

Politicians in favour of legislation argue that legalisation would bring down the criminal networks. That would take a considerable weight off the shoulders of the police, since traffickers would become ordinary business people. It would also, they say, drain a damaging underground economy.

The example of other countries

To see what France would look like if cannabis consumption were permitted, one need only look at the countries that have already adopted legalisation. It is clear that a genuine economic sector would work in favour of “Made in France” standards. If production and sale were controlled by the state, it would find a new way of filling its coffers through additional taxes.

The economic and environmental angle

The plant has been cultivated since the Neolithic period and has served as a raw material for clothing, construction, food and, of course, a number of shamanic practices. It needs little water and flowers twice a year. It could therefore be an alternative to many manufacturing methods, one presented as more sustainable and more measured.

Should the health benefits attributed to cannabis be established, the entire pharmaceutical system could be shaken, since a number of medicines would then be obsolete.

Tailor-made services

Since Uber likes to find a prime place among consumers, why not imagine an “Uber Weed” delivering bags straight to the customer’s door?

This article on cannabis is for information only. Please note that this site does not promote cannabis, which remains a prohibited and dangerous substance. Smoking causes heart disease; to stop smoking, talk to your doctor.