Only a few states in the U.S. have legalized recreational marijuana, meaning that in most parts of the country, people can to go to jail for minor drug charges. In France, it was always that way too, with prison sentences up to a year and fines of 3750 euros. But France’s new president Emmanuel Macron is changing things up.
Holding up one of his campaign promises, Macron will soon do away with prison sentences for minor cannabis offenses, like possession of marijuana. The government intends to give fines for minor possession, with no further prosecution. The Minister of the Interior Gérard Collomb says the policy should be implemented by September.
Despite this progressive legislation, Macron isn’t exactly France’s new Bernie Sanders. Until recently, Macron has been pretty staunchly against legalizing weed altogether, unlike some American and European politicians.
Hear some of Macron’s positions on marijuana and drug use (in French) in the video above.
