From varieties to treated diseases, from coffeeshops to companies in the sector: explore the world of cannabis through our databases, guides and news.
Cannabis is a botanical genus of annual plants with varying degrees of psychoactivity. Common parlance distinguishes hemp (legal, <0.3% THC) from cannabis (drug). It contains over 120 cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, its two most scientifically understood compounds.
Medical cannabis is used to relieve pain, chemotherapy nausea, spasticity or stimulate appetite. In France, extended experimentation has been underway since January 2023. Recreational use remains illegal in France, where 47% of adults have nevertheless already consumed cannabis.
Possession and consumption of cannabis are still punishable by up to one year's imprisonment and a €3,750 fine, although these charges can be dropped by payment of a "contraventionnelle" fine, which nonetheless opens up a criminal record. France is Europe's leading cannabis consumer. CBD hemp is legal under certain conditions. In 2022, 128.6 tonnes of cannabis were seized - an all-time record.
Uruguay (2013) and Canada (2018) were the first countries to legalize cannabis. In the United States, 24 states have legalized adult-use cannabis. In Europe, Germany, Malta and Luxembourg have adopted forms of legalization, while the Netherlands and Switzerland are experimenting.