At a time when France is intensifying its fight against drugs and Germany is taking the step towards legalizing cannabis, France 5 is launching a captivating new documentary, “Cannabis – An Investigation by Mathieu Kassovitz and Antoine Robin.” This 90-minute documentary, broadcast on Tuesday, April 2nd at 9:05 pm, is hosted by Karim Rissouli. It will be followed by the news magazine “C ce soir” to delve deeper into the debate surrounding this social issue.Simultaneously, a version divided into ten 20-minute episodes will be available on France.tv, offering viewers an in-depth exploration of the topic. The film begins with an overview of the cannabis situation in France, illustrated by testimonies from lawyers and representatives of police unions. Mathieu Kassovitz then meets with Caroline Janvier, a member of parliament who supports legalization, and visits LaFleur, a French company cultivating cannabis for medical use. The documentary travels the world to compare various cannabis regulation policies. From Morocco, which allows cultivation for medical and industrial purposes while combating illegal exports, to the Netherlands, where consumption is tolerated but production remains prohibited, exacerbating the black market. In Spain, consumption within defined frameworks is permitted, but street sales remain illegal. Canada, on the other hand, stands out for its policy of full legalization since 2018, focused on quality control, public health, and reducing illicit trade. The Canadian example is particularly highlighted. Since 2018, Canada has regulated the production and sale of cannabis with strict standards, thus fostering a legal and safe market. Mathieu Kassovitz explores the Cannara Biotech mega-factory and speaks with Justin Trudeau about the benefits of this regulation. The documentary also includes a segment on the
Thailand, which recently decriminalized cannabis after years of severe repression.
With millions of regular users in France and a substantial black market, Kassovitz’s film promises to spark a necessary debate on cannabis legalization in France. The experts interviewed question the viability of the Canadian model in France, linking the success of such reforms to political will.
This documentary, while exploring the complexities of legalization, paves the way for crucial discussions on drug policy in France and potential regulatory reforms.
