In France, 99.7% of cannabis remains on the black market

Despite strict prohibition policy in France, the figures speak for themselves: following the “Place Nette” operations, 99.7 % of the cannabis in circulation in France remained on the black market.

This finding, highlighted by the organization NORML France in a report titled «Why Legalize Cannabis in 2025» aims to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of repressive measures and raises questions about their relevance in the face of a market that continues to thrive.

A crackdown strategy with limited results

For decades, France has implemented one of the strictest anti-drug policies in Europe, combining legal penalties with large-scale police operations. However, efforts to curb cannabis trafficking appear to have had only a marginal impact. According to data compiled by NORML France, out of approximately 500 metric tons of cannabis circulate in France each year, only a tiny fraction (about 1.6 metric tons) is intercepted by law enforcement. In other words, 99.7 % of this market remains uncontrolled.

Large-scale operations, such as «Place Nette XXL,» have failed to change the dynamics of the black market. These communication initiatives often result in temporary shifts in drug dealing locations rather than a lasting reduction in supply. They also fail to reduce demand, which remains high, with approximately 18 million people who have tried drugs and 5 million regular users in France.

A thriving criminal market

With an estimated annual turnover of nearly 4.8 billion euros, the cannabis trade represents a major source of revenue for organized crime. More than 200,000 people are believed to be involved in this illegal trade, highlighting the economic scale of the phenomenon. The growth of business practices that are currently in the news ...but these are already well-established (fast delivery, promotions, loyalty programs), which shows that criminal networks are adapting their strategies to retain their customers, just like any good business.

This situation, however, fuels a spiral of violence. The struggle for control over retail outlets leads to clashes between drug dealers, often accompanied by serious acts of violence, including homicides. This climate of insecurity directly affects many neighborhoods and ties up considerable police resources, without effectively curbing the problem.

International examples to consider

NORML France is following the example of other countries that have adopted a different approach, where cannabis regulation can have a significant impact on reducing the black market. Canada has seen its illegal market plummet by 97% in the six years following legalization. In Uruguay, 55% of cannabis was sold now comes from legal channels. In Germany, where a new cannabis law took effect in 2024, the number of crimes related to this substance is reported to have already decreased by 70% in Berlin.

These experiences suggest that a regulated market can not only capture a significant share of demand but also allow for better control over the products consumed. Such an approach could also free up judicial and law enforcement resources for more effective action against organized crime.

What does the future hold for France?

Given the ineffectiveness of prohibition and the scale of the black market, the issue of cannabis regulation is becoming increasingly pressing in France for NORML France. An approach based on prevention, oversight, and taxation could enable the government to regain control of a market that is currently almost entirely beyond its reach.

If France wants to move away from a policy that is struggling to produce concrete results, it should look to the example of countries that have opted for regulation. It remains to be seen whether the political will exists to follow this trend observed elsewhere in Europe and around the world.