Cannabis legalisation in France is a topic of heated debate, with proponents claiming it can regulate usage and reduce illicit drug trade. But as Professor Jean Costentin argues in his critical examination, “Apostrophe to the Pro-Legalizers of Cannabis,” the potential health and societal consequences of legalising cannabis demand far greater scrutiny.

This exploration shines a light on the dangers of cannabis legalisation and raises important questions about how society should approach this controversial issue.

Understanding the Scope of Cannabis Legalisation France

Before jumping onto the cannabis legalisation bandwagon, it’s important to evaluate the potential repercussions that this change could bring about. France already faces a significant challenge with cannabis, boasting 150,000 regular users despite the substance being banned. Legalisation may not curb such usage but instead open the floodgates, amplifying its effects across various aspects of public health and safety.

The Addictive Nature of Cannabis

Contrary to popular belief, cannabis is not a harmless substance. Studies cited by Professor Costentin reveal that 20% of users become addicted after trying cannabis, a statistic that underscores its addictive potential. Unlike commonly consumed substances like alcohol or nicotine, no widely effective treatment exists for breaking cannabis dependence, leaving those who fall into usage vulnerable.

Why Cannabis is More Harmful Than Tobacco

The dangers of cannabis extend beyond addiction. Its physical toxicity has been deemed more serious than tobacco—which kills 75,000 people annually in France and contributes to disability cases. Yet, the narrative around cannabis often portrays it as less harmful than it truly is.

Smoking cannabis impacts lung health more aggressively than tobacco due to its mode of consumption. This misconception magnifies the need for education and caution, especially considering that legalisation may normalise its usage.

Cognitive Impairments and Broader Impacts

Cannabis also affects cognition, diminishing attention, memory, and decision-making. Such impacts take a toll not only on academic performance but also on work productivity and safety. For example, France’s low rating on International PISA rankings highlights educational underperformance, which can be further exacerbated by widespread cannabis use.

The legalisation of cannabis could also lead to an increase in road and workplace accidents, further burdening healthcare and emergency sectors already stretched thin.

The Alarming Link Between Cannabis and Mental Health

Cannabis use doesn’t just affect cognition but penetrates into the realm of mental health. It’s closely associated with anxiety, depressive disorders, and an alarming increase in the risk of suicide. Even more concerning, studies link prolonged usage to schizophrenia, effectively doubling the cases of this severe mental illness among users.

No one can afford to ignore the link between cannabis usage and emotional or psychological stability, especially as mental health awareness reaches new peaks around the world.

Cannabis Through the Generational Lens

One of the most alarming insights from Professor Costentin’s work is the epigenetic effects of cannabis use. It modifies how genes work and are expressed, with consequences that extend beyond individual users. These genetic changes make future generations vulnerable to cognitive disabilities, depression, autism, and more.

For a society already cracking under pressure from health crises and economic instability, the long-term implications of cannabis legalisation could suffocate any attempts at progress.

A Costly Move for Future Generations

Normalising cannabis use doesn’t just mean accepting short-term risks. Legalisation could create an unspoken legacy of degraded mental health, diminished intelligence, and compromised physical well-being that spans generations.

Cannabis-induced obesity, triggered by its effects on appetite hormones and gut bacteria, further impacts public health. Combined with its epigenetic consequences, cannabis use accelerates the intergenerational cycle of vulnerability.

Preventative Efforts and Social Responsibility

France has not necessarily “lost the war against cannabis”—the problem lies in the failure to declare it. Unlike movements that actively combat tobacco or alcohol misuse, cannabis prevention lacks the unified effort required to make a measurable impact. Families, policymakers, educational institutions, and media platforms all hold the power to influence change. However, current societal neglect leaves a dangerous void.

Policymakers must refocus their energy toward preventative measures, highlighting the dangers of cannabis legalisation while reinforcing public awareness about its significant risks.

Thinking Twice About Legalisation

For those advocating the Cannabis legalisation France, Professor Costentin offers an urgent reminder of the stakes involved. The ripple effects of legalisation could disrupt education, health systems, mental well-being, and individual families.

Is French society prepared to tackle these challenges, especially when the country’s resources are already drained? While cannabis legalisation promises many superficial solutions, it introduces even greater complexities beneath the surface.

Source: Drog Addiction