French Parliamentary Report Proposes Cannabis Legalization to Combat Narcotrafficking

A bipartisan effort by two MPs suggests a regulated cannabis market and depenalization of minor drug possession, sparking debate on France's drug policies.

The report, authored by MPs Antoine Léaument (LFI) and Ludovic Mendes (EPR), recommends legalizing cannabis for personal use under strict state regulation to undermine illegal drug markets.
It includes a proposal to create an independent regulatory authority to oversee cannabis production, distribution, and pricing, aiming to compete with the black market.
The report also suggests depenalizing possession of small amounts of other drugs, such as cocaine and MDMA, to focus law enforcement efforts on traffickers rather than users.
Critics, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, argue that legalization would fail to reduce trafficking and could have harmful social and health consequences.
The recommendations have reignited a broader debate on drug policy, with proponents emphasizing public health approaches over punitive measures.