Cannabis: The Senate speaks out on decriminalization and legalization

The editions follow one another and are similar: we find a comparative study of the evolution of the legal framework relating to the consumption, possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis in the eight countries cited in the first edition (Denmark, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, England, United Kingdom, and Switzerland). A notable new feature: it now includes countries whose legal framework regarding cannabis is favorable in all or part of their territory. Namely, the United States (California), Malta, Canada, and Uruguay.

The main lesson is that the Senate recognizes that neighboring countries close to France have enacted the decriminalization of cannabis and that most of them have begun to consider legalization.

Let's start with the Netherlands: pioneers in this field, the Dutch have chosen to conduct a production experiment to supply coffee shops in about ten cities. For this purpose, ten production licenses are currently being allocated to selected partners.

Now, the case of Malta: the first country in Europe to close the chapter on cannabis prohibition. Whether it's possession, cultivation, or consumption for personal use: Maltese people are allowed to do so within well-defined limits. By the end of 2022, rigorously selected Cannabis Social Clubs will be able to welcome members for whom they will ensure cultivation and distribution.

Another driving country in terms of cannabis: Switzerland, now in a phase of controlled cannabis distribution tests. These multiple projects, which could last up to seven years, will host up to 5,000 participants whose consumption will be capped at 10g of pure THC per month (equivalent to 50g of cannabis with a 20% THC content).

These tests also include a research dimension: universities have been commissioned to measure the impact of this "legal cannabis" on the members of the various panels and on the surroundings of the distribution areas. It should be remembered that legalization in Switzerland established its foundations through the approval by several parliamentary committees of the need to control and regulate the cannabis market for better protection of young people and consumers.

Germany wants to legalize cannabis

Spain, for its part, has chosen a similar scheme to Malta by decriminalizing the consumption and possession of cannabis within controlled private spaces: Cannabis Social Clubs. Although the exemption from penalties in private places is effective, these clubs are struggling to form a legal framework at the federal level. Public possession, however, is still prohibited.

A flagship measure of the coalition that succeeded Angela Merkel at the beginning of 2022, the desire to enact cannabis legalization in Germany initially came as a surprise. It is more relevant than ever: the related bill will be presented in the second half of 2022, once the expert hearings are completed. Although little information has filtered through so far, it would seem that Germany is moving towards an organization similar to that of Canada.

It has been more than twenty years since Portugal decriminalized all drugs throughout its territory. A notable fact: we learn in the report that the consumption of all substances is lower in Portugal than the average for European countries. However, cannabis use has increased over the years across all age groups.

The United Kingdom stands out for the implementation of decriminalization by law enforcement, to the point that some Cannabis Clubs are supported by the police! Note that the Mayor of London has decided to launch a comprehensive reflection on this matter.

Also worth mentioning are Denmark, already in the experimental phase for medical cannabis, which is now considering a legalization experiment; and Luxembourg, which has legalized the self-cultivation of cannabis strictly from seeds.