Possession and use of pot on his private island: Guy Laliberté was fined $25,000

The wealthy Canadian founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté, was sentenced Tuesday in Papeete to a fine of nearly $25,000 (16,600 euros) for possession and use of cannabis on his private island of Tuamotu in French Polynesia.

When questioned by judges at Tuesday's hearing, Guy Laliberte explained that he suffers from chronic pain and has relieved it thanks to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its active ingredient.

“I don't like smoke […] I will [sic] The artist and businessman said: “I take oils and honey and soak them,” noting that he takes them for “primarily medicinal” purposes. It is legal in Canada, he noted.

“With its pristine beaches, protected lagoon, natural coral reefs, scenic trails and exceptional tropical flora and fauna, Nokutepipe is a true nature lover’s dream,” it says.

The photo is taken from the Sunset Luxury Villas website

Prosecutor Jan Hausner responded: “The problem is that instructions are given in a country where production, consumption and use are officially prohibited.”

The Criminal Court acquitted Mr. Laliberté of some charges, but convicted him of possession and use.

In 2019, an employee of the Nokutepipe company, where Guy Laliberté built luxury bungalows, was arrested in Tahiti, in possession of cannabis intended for other employees on this isolated island.

Guy Laliberté Island, which was purchased from a Japanese company in 2007, is located about 750 kilometers from Tahiti.

The photo is taken from the Sunset Luxury Villas website

On this employee's phone, police discovered photos of a container containing 48 cannabis plants. This container allows for the cultivation of crops of all kinds, and was intended, according to one employee, to ensure the “food independence” of the island.

According to him, 48 plants were used as a test, but “the first harvest did not happen” due to the intervention of the gendarmerie.

The infinity pool is a big plus.

The photo is taken from the Sunset Luxury Villas website

Mr. Laliberté was defended by Mr. Laliberté.^H Yves Periot and Parisian lawyer Jean-Yves Le Burny, who demanded acquittal. “We wanted to make ourselves a billionaire […] The average citizen would not have received the same treatment.^H Berio.

M^H Le Burnie considered that there was no material evidence to prove his client's guilt. He also discussed the development of legislation in different countries such as Germany.

“A judgment of guilt can never be reconciled with consent […] The problem is knowing what consequences this conviction will have on his international life.”^H Jean-Yves Le Born after the hearing.

Mr. Laliberté regularly visits the United States, a country that takes great care in the legal records of non-citizens who wish to cross its borders.