Emmanuel Macron announces that fines for possession or consumption of cannabis “can be paid immediately”, by credit card or in cash

In an interview with “La Provence”, the Head of State was moved by the low rate of collection of these fines, less than 35%, and announced that 5,000 payment terminals will equip agents by the end of summer.

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A marijuana joint, in 2019. (PETER DAZELEY / THE IMAGE BANK RF / GETTY IMAGES)

As he begins, Monday, June 26, a three-day trip to Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône), Emmanuel Macron returned, in an interview with Provence, on the problems linked to drug trafficking which bloody the Marseille city. The Head of State notably addressed the issue of fines for possession or consumption of cannabis, insufficiently collected according to him. “We can’t deplore drug trafficking if we have users. People who have the means to use drugs because they find it recreational, they have to understand that they nurture networks and that they have a de facto complicity.”

A recovery rate of this type of fine of only 35%

Among the arsenal of security-related measures that he will unveil during his trip, a simple measure to increase the rate of collection of fines aimed at consumers and cannabis possessors. “We have implemented a fixed fine of up to 2,500 euros. 350,000 have been drawn up in France since September 2020, including 29,000 in Marseille. But what we have found is that as the regulations made by telepayment between 45 days and 60 days, we have a recovery rate of 35%. And it is below this average in Marseille.” Calling the situation “unacceptable”, the Head of State announces to Provence that agents will be equipped with 5,000 payment terminals by the end of the summer so that the payment of fines can be immediate. It will also be possible to pay in cash, Emmanuel Macron told the regional daily.


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