Belgium finds itself at a crossroads in the ongoing cannabis legalization debate, with Deputy Prime Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne of the Socialist Party (PS) arguing for a new approach to the country’s drug policy. In an interview with Belgian newspaper L’Avenir, Mr Dermagne said it was high time to end cannabis prohibition and move to a regulated market.
Mr Dermagne argues that prosecuting, arresting and imprisoning people for cannabis-related offenses no longer makes sense, especially considering the changing landscape in Belgium’s neighboring countries. “Of the four neighboring countries of Belgium, three have decriminalized or are going to legalize consumption and sale,” underlines Mr. Dermagne.
The Deputy Prime Minister is not just advocating for decriminalization, he is pushing for full regulation and control of the production and sale of cannabis. He believes that this approach would have many benefits, including better supervision of consumers, protection against sale to minors, reduction of criminal income (including potential financing of terrorist activities) and the possibility for the forces of ordered to focus on more pressing matters.
Mr Dermagne also highlights the economic benefit it could bring. He estimates that Belgium could gain 660 million euros in revenue from excise duties. This claim is supported by a 2019 study by the Friday Group, which suggests potential gains of up to €144.6 million per year, depending on the decriminalization model chosen.
However, Mr Dermagne’s proposal is not unanimous. The majority partner, the Francophone Liberal Party (MR), strongly opposes the idea of decriminalization at this stage. MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez expressed concern about the timing, citing current problems with drug use, particularly hard drugs, in Belgian cities. The MR recognizes the need for debate, but points to the harmful health effects of cannabis, especially among young users.
While the debate persists, Belgium is preparing to study the possibility of decriminalizing cannabis. The Senate plans to release an information report in the coming months, based on expert input. With the exception of the MR, most French-speaking parties express support for some form of cannabis reform.
These parties differ in their proposals, ranging from strict regulation and control advocated by the PS to the total decriminalization of possession and certain forms of production and distribution proposed by DéFI. Ecolo pleads for global regulation of the entire cannabis chain, while Les Engagés advocates the decriminalization of all drug use. The PTB insists on state regulation of production and sales.
In his assessment of international models, Mr Dermagne favors the German approach, where consumers join Cannabis Clubs responsible for collective cultivation and distribution. He criticizes the Dutch model which he describes as “hypocritical” because of the gap between legal sales and illegal cultivation.
In the north of Belgium, opinions on the legalization of cannabis are less favourable. The CD&V, N-VA and Vlaams Belang parties all oppose decriminalization, with the Open Vld expressing strong reservations. On the other hand, Vooruit and Groen are firmly in favor of reform.
