Adults only (18+)

Legal Status of Cannabis in France

Cannabis is illegal in France for both recreational and general medical use. Under French law, the use, possession, cultivation and sale of cannabis are all criminal offences. France has some of the strictest drug laws in Europe despite having one of the highest rates of cannabis consumption on the continent. Possession of even small amounts of cannabis is a criminal offence and can result in fines, a criminal record or even imprisonment. While the French government has made recent efforts to soften how certain offences are handled, particularly first-time possession, cannabis remains a controlled narcotic with no legal status for casual use.

Fines and Penalties for Possession

Possessing cannabis in France can result in a fixed fine of 200 euros. This system was introduced in 2020 as an effort to reduce the burden on the courts and police system. The fine may be reduced to 150 euros if paid quickly, or increased to 450 euros if left unpaid. However, this does not mean possession is decriminalised. It remains a criminal offence on the books and can still result in further legal consequences depending on the situation. Individuals found in possession of large quantities or with items suggesting supply, such as weighing scales or packaging, may be charged with trafficking which carries far more severe penalties including imprisonment.

Cannabis Cultivation and Supply Laws

Cultivating cannabis is illegal in France, regardless of whether it is intended for personal use or sale. The act of growing cannabis plants is treated as a serious offence and may lead to prosecution. Supply and distribution of cannabis are considered criminal offences with potential penalties including up to ten years in prison and fines reaching hundreds of thousands of euros. French authorities focus particularly on organised supply networks and large-scale trafficking, although even small-scale supply or sharing of cannabis can attract prosecution. There is no legal protection for sharing cannabis among friends or for so-called social use.

Medical Cannabis in France

Medical cannabis is not broadly legal in France, but some limited developments have taken place. In 2021, a pilot programme was launched to study the use of cannabis-based medicines for certain medical conditions such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain and multiple sclerosis. This programme is tightly controlled and limited to a small number of patients. Access is only possible through specialist hospital doctors and participants must meet strict criteria. There is currently no over-the-counter or general prescription access to cannabis for therapeutic use. The future of medical cannabis in France will depend on the results of this ongoing trial, which may influence whether broader legal access is introduced.

CBD and Hemp Products

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is legal in France provided it is derived from approved industrial hemp varieties and contains no trace of THC. French law is very strict on THC content, requiring zero detectable levels. This has led to a highly regulated CBD market where oils, creams and wellness products are permitted only if they meet very specific standards. CBD cannot be sold as a medicine unless it is authorised by the appropriate health agencies, and any therapeutic claims must be backed by formal approval. Consumers are advised to check the labelling and certification of CBD products carefully, as non-compliant products may be removed from the market or treated as illegal.

Public Use and Police Enforcement

Using cannabis in public is illegal in all parts of France. Police may issue fines on the spot or initiate further legal action depending on the situation. While some cities may see more frequent use among young people or in certain nightlife areas, this should not be taken as an indication that cannabis is tolerated. French police have powers to search individuals and vehicles where drug use is suspected. Public consumption of cannabis can also lead to detention, particularly if it occurs near schools, government buildings or transport hubs. Enforcement may vary by region, but the law is clear that cannabis use in public spaces is prohibited.

Tourists and Foreign Nationals

Tourists visiting France are subject to the same cannabis laws as residents. Possession of cannabis, even for personal use, is illegal and can result in a fine or arrest. Bringing cannabis into the country is a criminal offence, even if it was prescribed legally in another country. French authorities do not recognise foreign medical cannabis prescriptions and there is no legal defence for travelling with cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Anyone caught with cannabis at airports, train stations or border crossings may face serious consequences. Tourists are strongly advised to leave all cannabis products at home and to avoid using any during their visit.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

A common misconception is that France has decriminalised cannabis use. In fact, it has not. While on-the-spot fines are now used for minor possession, the act remains a criminal offence under French law. Another misunderstanding is that CBD is a legal alternative in all forms. CBD is only legal if it contains no THC at all and is derived from approved sources. Cannabis use is often more visible in some urban areas, leading people to assume that the laws are not enforced, but this is misleading. Enforcement remains active, and penalties can escalate quickly depending on quantity or context.

Future Outlook and Legislative Trends

There has been ongoing public debate in France about cannabis reform, particularly surrounding medical access and the potential for decriminalisation. Some political parties and public health groups support more lenient laws, while others favour continued prohibition. The current government has not expressed strong interest in legalising recreational cannabis and maintains a cautious stance on medical use. The pilot programme for medical cannabis may provide useful data for future decisions, but no immediate changes to recreational cannabis laws are expected. France is likely to maintain its restrictive approach in the near term while monitoring developments in neighbouring European countries.

In Summary

Cannabis is illegal in France for both recreational and general medical use. Possession, cultivation and supply are all considered criminal offences, with penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences. A medical cannabis pilot programme is underway but remains limited in scope. CBD products are legal only if they contain no THC and meet strict regulatory standards. Public use of cannabis is not tolerated and enforcement remains active across the country. Tourists should not bring cannabis into France and must follow all local drug laws. Despite growing debate, there are no immediate plans to legalise or decriminalise cannabis in France.