De jure decriminalisation of cannabis use matters: Some recent trends from France

In a recent contribution, Wilkins and Sweetsur (2012) underline that, although there have been no changes in the statutory penalties (a maximum of three months in prison and a fine of $500) related to cannabis use in New Zealand for over 35 years, there has been a substantial reduction in police arrests for cannabis use, leading to similar declines in associated prosecutions and convictions.

While such analysis is extremely valuable, it may indirectly suggest that cannabis use has been de facto decriminalised in New Zealand and that considering de jure decriminalisation is unnecessary.

In this Viewpoint, the authors wish to remind the reader that the trend described above is not universal and that de jure decriminalisation is indeed desirable to avoid arbitrary enforcement of the law.

This report specifically depicts some recent trends in cannabis use criminalisation in France, where the number of police arrests for cannabis use has increased in recent years.

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