In Belgium, Brussels Mayor and Socialist Party member Philippe Close has called for the removal of cannabis from the country's Penal Code. This would allow the police and the judiciary to focus on the bigger crimes, he says. While it is difficult to assess the social effects of decriminalization and legalization, most agree that it seems that the economic effect would be positive.
Cannabis is prohibited in Belgium. However, there is some tolerance. Thus, a holder of cannabis who is at least 18 years old, has a maximum of 3 grams, and does not cause public disorder, does not risk much.
Of course, the question of the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis is put back on the table regularly. And now, it is the turn of the mayor of the City of Brussels, Philippe Close, to return to the cage. Nothing surprising: the Socialist Party member had already come out in favor of decriminalization in 2000.
For more legalization news from Europe and around the world, download our free cannabis news app.
Many shootings in the Brussels Region that have been linked to drug trafficking worry Philippe Close. He believes that by taking cannabis out of the criminal field, we could focus on the trafficking of hard drugs.
Philippe Close calls for a “national drugs plan” with the collaboration of cities and towns, Communities, Regions, and the Federal government. He advocates legalization, which would first go through decriminalization. Other countries have already done so and provided their share of examples.
But does decriminalization have an effect on crime? Does it restrict network revenues?
It depends on the degree of openness of the question. But it is not simple. In the Netherlands, despite the drug laxity, the drug mafias are powerful.
But the decriminalization of cannabis would, in any case, free the police from certain tasks, allowing them to devote themselves to more significant matters. The possible increase in demand and the effects on health also depend on the space of freedom that is opened up.
State support for the circulation of cannabis has economic repercussions. These were evaluated by the Friday Group in 2019, with three scenarios: decriminalization of consumption, legalization and sale by a public monopoly, or legalization and sale via a free market.
With the simple decriminalization, which would remove the ban on the use of cannabis, but would not regulate sale and production, there would be an increase in health expenditure but a decrease in those related to justice and the police. State expenditure would reduce by 42.8 million euros.
With legalization accompanied by the sale of this drug with commercial licenses and a price fixed by the State, the costs of police and justice would be reduced. Health expenditure would remain equivalent, estimates the Friday Group. 40 million euros per year would enter the coffers thanks to the sale, and the State could ultimately earn 144.6 million euros per year.
If, on the other hand, deposits and prices are left to free competition, the selling price would be lower, which would bring in new consumers. The margin of the State would fall to 78.4 million euros, according to this study.
Philippe Close asks that Parliament take up the cannabis file. On the francophone side, there are openings. In the center-right Reform Movement party, the president, Georges-Louis Bouchez, is in favor of the legalization of cannabis, and so are other young party members.
Ecolo, the ecologist party, follows the Socialist Party with the idea of decriminalization which takes the question out of the judiciary to focus on a health angle. Other parties also wish to regulate consumption and sales.
In Flanders, however, some parties are clearly against the decriminalization of drugs for recreational use.
—
(Featured image by Paul Deetman via Pexels)
DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third-party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff, or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.
This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.
First published by L’Echo, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.
Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.
A survey found that women comprise 61% of home cannabis growers, marking a diversion from…
Denmark plans to make its pilot medical cannabis program permanent following its success in treating…
Polish lawmakers have submitted a non-binding petition to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, urging cannabis decriminalization…
The UK medical cannabis market has rapidly grown since legalization in 2018, with private actors…
A new study involving over 23,000 participants in New Zealand found that 60% of people…
The French Ministers of the Interior and Justice announced a comprehensive plan to tackle organized…