French Polynesia's opposition leader, Oscar Temaru, says while he is against the legalisation of cannabis for locals, it should be sold to tourists to create jobs.
Mr Temaru made the comment on local television after a debate in the assembly as the territory struggles with job losses and a lack of opportunities for young people.
"The foreigners who arrive here, the tourists who go to hotels demand cannabis. We also know that there are countries in Europe where cannabis is legalised. it could maybe give jobs to our young, to sell it to foreigners."
The black economy linked to cannabis cultivation in French Polynesia was last year estimated to be about 120 million US dollars.
