Cannabis in Senegal: The Limits of Repression

In a deep and revealing exploration, this research on drugs in Senegal plunges us into the heart of the fight against drugs in Senegal, a fight against this “scourge of modern times” that touches the very foundations of society. Through this communication, we intend to unveil the many faces of drugs in Senegal, from the dark alleys of neighborhoods to the silent waiting rooms of psychiatric centers, from prisons and reformatories to the corridors and hushed salons of republican institutions where public policy is decided.

We don't just want to depict reality and challenges; we also want to offer a message of hope and resilience. We want to share the results of several years' empirical research in Casamance, Thiès and the rest of Senegal: people's stories, moving user testimonials, expert reflections and innovative perspectives on how to combat this scourge.

This paper is not just a scientific analysis; it's a call to action, because it's the result of action research; it's an invitation to all players in Senegalese society - government, communities, families, schools and individuals - to join forces and write a new chapter in their history, one that consists of reviewing repressive policy in the fight against cannabis, of which Senegal is the 3rd largest producer in West Africa. Senegalese prisons are overcrowded due to Law 2007-31 of December 27, 2007, known as the Abdou Latif Gueye Law, which criminalizes the cultivation, trafficking and production of drugs. This paper proposes a way out of this vicious circle of repression against already vulnerable populations.