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.
On September 28 and 29, 2026, Paris will host the third edition of Science in the City International, a symposium organized by the Medical Resource Association that will bring together...
In the spring of 2026, part of the French CBD industry feared it was reliving the nightmare of 2021 regarding CBD flowers—yet another example of a...
After years of delays, France has taken another step toward establishing a permanent framework for medical cannabis. The decree...
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the Hybrid Department association will host the second edition of the Réunion Island Cannabis Cup – CBD Edition, which will bring together local growers,...
The French government has launched a national public awareness campaign titled «We All Pay the Price of Drugs,» aimed at highlighting...
The French Minister of Health confirmed to Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the regulations—which have been expected to be published for two years and which...
Four years after the launch of the national pilot program, a study commissioned by the ANSM finally provides concrete data on the effect of medical cannabis on treatments...
Fifty years after the first «Appel du 18 joint,» French organizations are working to keep that momentum alive. This anniversary revives the legacy of the call...
Finding affordable CBD online is easy. Finding reliable, affordable CBD that’s delivered quickly, with responsive customer service and products that...
The French government is poised to take another step toward the absurdity of monitoring its own staff. According to a memo revealed by Politico, the Prime Minister...
An urgent circular from the General Directorate of Health, dated June 11, 2026, sounds the alarm about a significant increase in cases of poisoning...
HHC, THCP, THCJD, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic cannabinoids: in recent years, new compounds have proliferated on the European hemp market. For...
Editorial. «We don't have the capacity to deal with every case. The sentence doesn't come from an activist, but from a policewoman specializing in violence...
On June 5, 2026, the Congress of New Caledonia adopted an ambitious strategic plan aimed at structuring a genuine hemp industry in the territory. À...
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...
Faced with tighter controls on CBD-based food products, a new initiative led by French producers intends to take up the battle on...
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...
