The cannabis in France has a long history of prohibition, dating back to Napoleon's return from Egypt. The legal restrictions on cannabis do not prevent its consumption on French territory, which since Europe's leading cannabis-smoking country. Newsweed covers all the latest developments on the decriminalization or legalization of cannabis in France, as well as the associations campaigning for a change in the law and the positions taken by French politicians on the subject. We also take a detailed look at what the cannabis law in France, and any future developments, such as the legality of CBD.
Illegal
Cannabis is illegal in France
Which countries in Europe have legalized cannabis?Although France is often cited as the biggest consumer of cannabis in Europe, particularly for recreational use, it remains an exception on the continent. No French government has committed to decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis.
In 2020, the Macronist majority re-penalized simple cannabis use, introducing a lump-sum fine, while Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin will then continue to pursue a repressive approach. In early 2024, he announced his intention to target both the supply and demand for cannabis, and proposed extending saliva testing on public roads.
The therapeutic use of cannabis has been legal in France since 2013, but this legalization is limited. Only Sativex, a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis, was approved for marketing in 2014, but it is still not available in France due to unresolved issues between its manufacturer and the government. Marinol has been available on an individual exemption basis since the early 2000s. This restrictive situation, often criticized by associations and certain health professionals, contrasts with the relaxation of cannabis legislation adopted in Europe since the early 2000s.
Cannabis was made illegal in France in 1970 with the adoption of the law of December 31, 1970. This law prohibited the production, sale and consumption of cannabis, as well as other drugs, and provided for severe penalties in the event of infringement. Initially intended for health purposes, frequent amendments to the law have removed this aspect in favor of a purely repressive approach.
At present, there is no definitive timetable for the legalization of cannabis in France. The French government has not announced any plans to legalize recreational cannabis, and the current policies pursued by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin remain repressive.
The legalization of the therapeutic use of cannabis is limited, as the expansion of therapeutic cannabis now planned for 2026 does not include access to cannabis flowers, only to oils and extracts.
François Thierry, the former head of the French Central Narcotics Office, has had his conviction made final after waiving his appeal against a one-year prison sentence.
The French CBD industry will take legal action against the government's latest control plan for cannabidiol-containing food products. The...
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In France, you have to choose between perch and pole. In February 2026, the Conseil d'Etat upheld the two-year suspension imposed...
The French Senate has passed the controversial RIPOST bill, a wide-ranging, security-focused legislative package designed to combat...
France confirms its status as the driving force behind industrial hemp in Europe. According to a report by FranceAgriMer, in just a few years the country has become the...
With the launch of its new THC syrup, Frenchfarm continues to expand its product catalog with an innovative alternative to oils and gummies. This...
The French government has passed an amendment to tighten regulations on CBD and other herbal smoking products, in...
Yesterday, May 20, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement calling on consumers to stop buying CBD food products, «regardless of the...
The Cannaparade returns to the streets of Paris. On Saturday May 30, 2026, a coalition of associations is calling for people to gather in République at 2pm to...
According to a survey conducted by the Norstat institute on April 13 and 14, 2026 for the patient association Apaiser S&C, 92 % of French people say they are in favor...
In recent days, a rumor has been swirling in the general media: CBD products will be “banned” in France from May 15, 2026. Reports...
Carrefour boss Alexandre Bompard sprang a surprise on Instagram by addressing Snoop Dogg directly. In a deliberately light-hearted video, with a good accent...
In the world of Cannabis, Type 1 strains (THC-dominant) are generally the focus of attention: competitions, hype, elite cups, mythical genetics,...
In a French CBD market often accused of going round in circles, there are few strains that trigger a real collective frisson. Tarmac CBD is...
Presented as a «modern and effective» solution, the system of fines forfaitaires délicutelles (AFD) is now facing a major institutional backlash. In a report...
According to information provided by the Syndicat professionnel du chanvre (SPC), the Direction générale de l'alimentation (DGAL) is preparing a national control plan for 2026, targeting all hemp...
Patients currently benefiting from medical cannabis as part of the French experiment have been granted a temporary reprieve. The French Minister of Health, Stéphanie Rist,...
France Botanique Services (FBS) has announced the registration of two feminized varieties of Cannabis sativa L on list A of the French and European seed catalogs,...
It's official. After years of waiting, postponements and «soon», medical cannabis is finally legalized in France. An experiment that has taken everything but...
