Cannabis in Tunisia is not exempt from legislation. Indeed, as in many countries around the world, the cultivation, possession, and consumption of this plant, regardless of its form, are subject to regulations. These regulations may seem harsh and repressive to some, but normal to others. It all depends on one's perspective. With this in mind, we invite you to explore the current state of cannabis in Tunisia, focusing on a significant recent event and the potential relaxation of laws concerning the plant.
The summary
- 30 years in prison for a joint!
- Law 52 is estimated to have populated 20% of the Tunisian prison population
- Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi has reportedly promised to update Law 52 on cannabis
30 years in prison for a joint!
Some might think this is a fictional film. But no. This is indeed Tunisia, on January 20th. In the Kef court, in the northwest of the country, three men were sentenced to 30 years in prison for smoking a joint. The incident reportedly took place in a stadium, the court spokesperson explained to the newspaper La Presse. Let's read on.
"One of the defendants, the stadium's caretaker, hid a quantity of cannabis in the changing rooms, and the three defendants consumed these narcotics in this sports facility.".
In the same vein, the court argues that the case involves aggravating circumstances. Among other things, the fact that these three men are allegedly "an organized gang" and that they smoked the joint in a "public place." This, according to Law 52, warrants a severe penalty. Indeed, it is these circumstances that justify this 30-year prison sentence for smoking a joint.
Furthermore, regarding this conviction, the court has upheld the law. However, in the streets, some are denouncing a "police state." Indeed, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tunis to contest the Kef court's decision. Moreover, on social media, Tunisian citizens are calling for a relaxation of the cannabis law or even the legalization of the plant.
Law 52 is estimated to have populated 20% of the Tunisian prison population
This 30-year prison sentence for smoking a joint brings a rather sensitive issue back to the forefront: Law 52. Indeed, it's not a recent law. Its inclusion in the Tunisian legal framework dates back to the Ben Ali regime, specifically the 1990s.
In fact, some argue that this law was enacted for political reasons. At that time, the president's brother, Habib, was reportedly arrested for international drug trafficking (involving the Netherlands, France, and Tunisia). Thus, the president, seeking to distance himself from the affair, allegedly passed Law 52.
This law is now increasingly criticized, as it is estimated to have imprisoned around 5,000 people, representing 20% of Tunisia's prison population. In light of this, many are calling for its relaxation. Meanwhile, the three men are appealing the decision. Furthermore, the Cannabis Liberation Front (FLC) will provide them with legal assistance.
"We are working in coordination with a group of lawyers, but also with public figures to put an end to these convictions and to free up cannabis consumption in Tunisia, by presenting the different economic, legal and social approaches," a member explained to the newspaper La Presse.
Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi has reportedly promised to update Law 52 on cannabis
The 30-year prison sentence for smoking a joint and the ensuing events have not gone unnoticed by the Tunisian government. Indeed, the Prime Minister is said to have promised a review of the law in question.
"The government will look into revising and amending Law 52, relating to the consumption of narcotics," Hichem announced.
And his chief of staff, Moez Lidinallah Mokaddem, added…
"This law is outdated and we will propose a legislative initiative aimed at reducing the sentences that deprive drug users of their liberty.".
Furthermore, the Reform group, a centrist group in Parliament, is proposing an amendment. On this subject, Hassouna Nasfi, its president, explained to Mosaïque FM:
"The proposal aims to reduce the criminal penalties that could be imposed on consumers and to toughen the penalties for traffickers and gangs that encourage drug use. On this basis, there will be prison sentences for traffickers and alternative penalties for simple users.".
Furthermore, instead of prison sentences for consumers, fines have been proposed. On the one hand, 500 to 1000 dinars for a first conviction (approximately 150 to 300 euros). On the other hand, 2000 dinars for repeat offenses (approximately 600 euros). Along the same lines, Hichem Ben Ahmed, Member of Parliament and former minister, emphasizes that:
"Together, let's save these young people and remember that they are not criminals, but targets and victims of criminals who must be brought to justice.".
Co-founder of CBD.fr
Julien Cordobes is the editor of CBD.fr. Born in 1978 in the Paris region, he first trained in e-commerce before turning to natural health approaches, a dual perspective that now structures his way of writing about cannabidiol: reading the scientific literature as it is, without hardening the conclusions, and presenting it in a language that everyone understands.
He discovered CBD at a time when the French market was developing faster than the information available to it. He acquired CBD.fr in 2022 and then took on editorial responsibility for the blog. Since then, he has published numerous articles covering the daily use of CBD, the interpretation of laboratory analyses, the evolution of the legal framework, and precautions for use.
