Illustration of a cannabis smoker in a building hall. - FABRICE ELSNER / 20 MINUTES

Getting roasted to smoke a joint in public on the streets of Rennes will soon be expensive. Theoretically, this is already the case since the illicit use of narcotic drugs is punishable by one year imprisonment and a fine of 3,750 euros. However, in reality, such sanctions are rarely imposed and vary greatly from one department to another. In early June, cannabis smokers will have no choice but to go to the cashier in the Breton capital, which will be the first city, along with Créteil and Reims, to experiment with the fixed fine scheme.

The measure will be tested "from June 16 normally" and for a period of two months, said Friday Philippe Astruc, prosecutor of the Republic of Rennes. The fine will be 200 euros and the amount may be reduced (150 euros) or increased (450 euros) depending on the payment period. Registration in the criminal record is also provided for in this new law enforcement system which will be coordinated by the national center for the automated processing of traffic offenses, precisely based in Rennes, which will be responsible for sending and collecting fines.

Tackling demand by "empowering the user"

With this system, Philippe Astruc intends to "tackle demand while the fight against drugs has so far mainly focused on supply". According to him, this fixed fine should make it possible to "empower the user".

"These are the customers who make these mafia-style businesses flourish and this has an impact on the quality of life in certain districts", he assures, citing as an example the districts of Villejean or Blosne which were the theater of several settlements of accounts between traffickers in recent weeks. "The less demand there is, the more we can act effectively against the offer," said the prosecutor, who hopes that the measure will have a "deterrent effect" on users.

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  • Fine
  • Drug
  • Narcotic
  • Drug traffic
  • Reindeer
  • Society
  • Cannabis