Temaru denies calling for cannabis to be sold in French Polynesia

Christine Webster
Thu, 28 Jan 2010

http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201001/2804106.htm?desktop

The former French Polynesian President, Oscar Temaru, has denied calling for cannabis to be legally sold to tourists in the territory.

The Opposition Leader suggested during a parliamentary debate about the high taxation of cigarettes that tourists be allowed to use cannabis in restricted areas.

But when contacted by Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program he denied the claim.

Tahiti Pacifique Editor, Alex du Prel, says when Mr Temaru was criticised in parliament by other MPs, he told them his comments weren't meant to be taken seriously.

"He ended up saying, this is a joke okay."

Mr Temaru's Tahiti Independence Party has now put out a communique expressing concern at the tough legislation France has on cannabis, which applies to French Polynesia.

Mr du Prel says the matter was raised during a debate on the restriction of smoking in public areas.

"Tobacco taxes are very very high in French Polynesia."

"Mr Temaru said why don't we sell (cannabis) and why don't we tax it?"

French Polynesia's State Attorney, Jose Thorel, issued a communique saying marijuana laws are a French government responsibility.

It says the issue should not be discussed by MPs in the French Polynesian parliament.

The use and cultivation of cannabis in French Polynesia is illegal.