France’s youngest Prime Minister, openly gay and who admits to having used cannabis, is attracting a lot of interest for his opinions on various subjects. But do we really know Gabriel Attal’s position on cannabis? In this article, we will explore:
- His personal experience with cannabis
- His statements on the subject
- Possible developments in French legislation
Gabriel Attal’s personal experience with cannabis
In an interview given to BFMTV on January 15, 2020, Gabriel Attal insisted on the need for a global debate, encompassing questions of prevention, sanction and control. He also claimed to have used cannabis “in his youth”, although he was not a regular user. This transparency about his past shows a desire to approach the subject without taboos.
Gabriel Attal’s statements on cannabis
The need for debate
As mentioned previously, Gabriel Attal calls for a global debate on the issue of cannabis, including all aspects of the problem: prevention, sanctions, controls, but also scientific research on the effects and harms of this controversial plant. He wishes to set up working groups to reflect on these questions and propose appropriate solutions.
Legalization of therapeutic cannabis
Regarding cannabis for medical use, Gabriel Attal said he was in favor of its legalization. He links this position to the need to offer patients secure and supervised access to a substance which can relieve the suffering linked to certain illnesses or treatments (in particular chronic pain, epilepsy or even the side effects of chemotherapy). However, he specifies that this subject must be approached with caution, taking into account scientific studies and foreign experiences.
Decriminalization of recreational cannabis
For cannabis for non-medical use, Gabriel Attal expressed reservations about a possible decriminalization of this substance. According to him, cannabis use is a major public health problem, with harmful effects on mental health, particularly among young people. In addition, he fears that the decriminalization of production will lead in particular to an increase in consumption and trafficking.
Possible developments in French legislation on cannabis
Experimenting with therapeutic cannabis
Since September 2020, France has launched a two-year experiment concerning the use of therapeutic cannabis in certain medical conditions. This pilot project aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this substance, as well as its impact on the health system.. Depending on the results and recommendations of the experts, it will then be decided whether cannabis for medical use can be legalized in France.
The debate over decriminalization or legalization of recreational cannabis
Despite the reservations expressed by Gabriel Attal, the decriminalization of recreational cannabis is a subject regularly raised in French political debates. More and more voices are being raised to criticize the failure of the repressive policy pursued for several decades and to plead in favor of an approach based on progressive alternatives such as education, prevention and supervision of consumption. It is therefore possible that this aspect of the legislation will evolve in the years to come, even if this would probably not be under the leadership of Gabriel Attal himself.
In conclusion, Gabriel Attal’s position on cannabis remains cautious and nuanced. Favorable to the legalization of therapeutic cannabis, he nevertheless remains reserved regarding the decriminalization of recreational cannabis, thus prioritizing public health and scientific research. Only the future will tell us if mentalities and laws will evolve in this area in France.
