France Tops Europe in Cannabis Use: Calls for Taxation Grow Louder

France Leads Europe in Cannabis Use: Experts Advocate for Legalization and Taxation

Although France is not in crisis, its public finances are in a very bad situation. The total debt is €3.2 trillion, or 112% of GDP. Interest payments on that debt exceed defense spending. It ranks as the second largest state expenditure behind education (which covers everything from preschool to college).

Experts expect this year’s budget deficit to reach 6%, exceeding the EU’s 3% cap by three percentage points. Michel Barnier, the prime minister, has responded by proposing €40 billion in spending cuts and €20 billion in tax increases. However, New Popular Front and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally are both against various elements of Barnier’s next budget.

When the French prime minister attempts to get the law through parliament before Christmas, he may face a no-confidence motion. This begs an important question. Why not legalize and tax cannabis to reduce the cost of law enforcement and increase tax revenue for the government?

I am aware that it seems unrealistic, and I have no illusions that Barnier is or ever would consider it. So why mention it? First, crises offer opportunities for innovation. It is what France needs instead of repeating the same arguments about lowering the retirement age to 60. And to terminate medical treatment for those without documentation. Second, this problem affects both the economy and crime, which are major concerns for the French.

This is a French paradox for you, although it’s not as entertaining as the one about the low rate of heart disease and the abundance of cream. France has some of the most severe drug restrictions in Europe. The highest cannabis consumption rate, according to the EU Drug Agency.

French Ministry Report

The French Interior Ministry reports that authorities charge over 200,000 individuals with drug-related offenses each year. It processes them through the criminal court system. Anti-cannabis enforcement still incurs high costs, even though not all cases involve cannabis, and the majority of defendants are not convicted.

High-profile cases of gang-related violence, such as a contract killing involving a 14-year-old child and a drug group from Marseille, horrified France last month. Additionally, 85% of respondents believe that in recent months, delinquency has increased.

Legalizing cannabis is about taking a very profitable market away from criminals, undermining gangs’ profits, and driving sellers off the streets, not about being lenient on crime, reported The Guardian.

While that is undoubtedly something to be mindful of, intelligent legislation can also address it in advance. The medical journal The Lancet recently stated that Germany’s non-profit sales model. It is unlikely to lead to an increase in cannabis use and related health issues that have been seen in North America.

The place where products with excessively high levels of THC are primarily the result of letting growers, manufacturers, and sellers go wild. Germany legalized the possession and cultivation of cannabis for recreational use in April.

“The dawn of a new era for cannabis policy in Europe” is how some have characterized Germany’s Cannabis Act. Isn’t it time for France to realize the financial advantages of a different strategy? France might develop its own safer and more lucrative strategy to assist close the financial gap in the state, just like its neighbor.