French Presidential Contender Supports Cannabis

Photo by Pleclown

One of the contenders for presidential election in France is a known supporter of cannabis.

According to The Guardian, Benoît Hamon is experiencing some underground popularity, and favors forward-thinking, liberal policies such as cannabis legalization, environmental protections and criticism of big banks and corporations in exchange for human rights. In fact, he was kicked out of current president François Hollande’s government after he criticized the president for not being left-leaning enough.

Currently in France, it is still illegal to possess, cultivate or sell cannabis. Laws in the country are still somewhat repressive, without any options for legal cannabis besides the pharmaceutical alternatives that have caused health problems worldwide.

Hamon has listed Colorado as proof that a legal cannabis system can and would work in his home country. He would like to follow the United States’ example when it comes to legalization and use the increased tax revenue for projects like improving healthcare.

Because of his extremely liberal leanings, Hamon has been likened to former American presidential candidate and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Many feel that his policies are so extreme that he is deliberately seeking defeat or simply trying to make a point with his message, but others who think that a change is needed in the country are showing support for Hamon in the upcoming race.

Echoing much of what is happening in the States, Hamon is claiming that young liberal voters are tired of the too-soft approach of their own party, as well as the nationalist leanings of the right. Therefore, he feels he actually has a chance as a candidate, and that the policies he supports have a chance of becoming a reality.

As long as politicians continue to speak up for cannabis rights and legalization around the globe, the needs of cannabis patients and recreational users will eventually be met.