French ease laws on cannabis use

The French government announced a new approach to cannabis users yesterday, scrapping prison sentences and heavy fines in favour of on-the-spot penalties in a bid to save police time.

France is one of the biggest consumers of cannabis in Europe, but also has some of its strictest laws with those caught smoking the drug facing fines of up to 3,750 euros (£3,300) and a one-year prison sentence, although in reality most go free with a warning. A 2015 EU report showed its youths were among Europe’s biggest cannabis users.