EPISODE #58 Cannabis in France with Aurélien Bernard and Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy from Augur Asso скачать в хорошем качестве

EPISODE #58 Cannabis in France with Aurélien Bernard and Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy from Augur Asso

How is the cannabis industry developing in France? This week we’re delighted to be joined by Aurélien Bernard and Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy from Paris based Augur Associates, a strategy & public affairs consulting firm specializing in the European cannabis industry.  Together, Aurélien and Benjamin-Alexandre give us a high level overview of cannabis in France, including France’s medical cannabis research, it’s conservative attitudes towards Cannabis consumption, and its innovation within the industrial hemp industry.  Episode Summary • Benjamin-Alexandre worked in Drugs Policy for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Panama and Laos and was inspired to work on a national level in France after realising that change was hard to come by. This is where he met Aurélien. • Before working in Cannabis, Aurélien worked as a manager within media companies. He went on to create Newsweed , the leading cannabis media outlet in France and in the French language. It takes an objective stance on the industry.  • A year and a half ago, Agur Associates was born with the idea of creating the first consultancy in France which focused on the sustainable cannabis and hemp industry. • In France, education around cannabis is limited and is given in schools by policemen who take a negative stance towards its consumption. • France is one of the slowest countries to adopt progressive policies in Europe although it is the biggest hemp consumer in this geographical area.  • Cannabis consumption in France is regulated against a law which was passed over 50 years ago. In 2018, cannabis consumption was reviewed and medical cannabis was found to be favourable - and so a small study began to test its efficacy against 5 conditions. • A french doctor can prescribe medical cannabis although the patient will not be able to fill their prescription within the country. Returning to France with the prescription would also be illegal since it is not legal to possess at this current time.  • In France, CBD is considered a grey area and is not strictly regulated, therefore many low quality products are available.  • CBD is available in shops and online stores although retailers run the risk of being shut down by law enforcement at any stage. The law is very much interpreted and enforced on a case by case basis.  • France was the first country to produce industrial hemp in Europe and the industry is still strong, France has over 17,000 hectares of hemp in production.  • There has been a great deal of innovation within the hemp industry in France - Bugatti even uses hemp as a replacement for glass fibre in some of their car parts.  • Cannabis is featured more regularly in mainstream media within France and attitudes are starting to change. • Aurélien suggests that France is a very conservative country despite what people think and therefore it is incredibly hard for things to move forward.  Resources Join Benjamin-Alexandre on LinkedIn:   / benjaminalexandrejeanroy   Join Aurélien on LinkedIn:    / aurelienbernard   Augur Associates LinkedIn:   / augur-associates   Newsweed Website: https://www.newsweed.fr/