Cannabis in France - Law enforcement in Boulogne

AFP says that yesterday the court of Boulogne-sur-Mer has requested a four months suspended prison sentence, and a fine of 10.000 french francs against Jean-George d’Ancoisne, president of the organisation prosecuted for having "offered for sale books featuring the self-production of cannabis". The press agency notes that his organisation manages the shop "Le comptoir du chanvre" in Boulogne, selling products derived from this plant, and mentions that "the copies of two books, though allowed for sale, have been seized to the request of the prosecutor". The agency mentions the defense of the lawyer Antoine Comte, who stressed that in cases "where incitation for use of narcotics is done by means of publication, the law states that the author, then the publisher are first prosecuted, then the seller". The agency also notes that in its prosecution the court has stigmatised "the crypto- proselyte approach", as well as "the overall provocative behaviour" of Mr d’Ancoisne. "Your political fight hides a crypto-business approach", said the substitute to J.G. d’Ancoisne, who in front of the court declared that he is in favour of "decriminalising the use of all drugs". The press agency mentions the attendance of Jean-Pierre Galland to the hearings "author of one of the books charged" ’J’attends une récolte’ "and organiser of the event" ’l’Appel du 18 joint’, along with "ten or so anti-prohibitionist activists". Noting that Me Comte et JP Galland mentionned the Pr Roques report which "concluded that cannabis is less harmful than alcohol", the AFP reminds that " according to the article L-630 of the penal code, presentation of cannabis in a favourable way can be punished by a five years prison sentence, and a 500.000 francs fine".

I wish you to mention that the court did not follow the prosecutor, and that I was discharged ; moreover, the court ruled the retrun of the items seized. This seems very important to me, both for my image (as I am involved in actions for the human rights, it’s a bit embarassing), and for the image of cannabis... I really thank you, and remains yours sincerely