Political instability jeopardizes deployment of medical cannabis in France

France is facing a new period of political uncertainty following the resignation of Prime Minister François Bayrou, who stepped down after losing a crucial confidence vote in Parliament. Industry stakeholders and patient advocacy groups fear that this situation will once again delay the long-awaited implementation of the medical marijuana.

A Reform Caught Up in Political Turmoil

France’s medical cannabis program began in 2021, giving more than 3,000 patients with serious illnesses access to cannabis-based treatments. For many, these therapies represent the the only effective alternative against persistent symptoms, significantly improving their quality of life.

Despite its promising results, France has not yet made these treatments widely available. The trial has been extended several times: in 2023, and then again in 2024 with a transitional phase, and in 2025 as part of a temporary ministerial letter. The current framework is set to expire in March 2026, which means that nearly 1,500 patients could have their treatment interrupted unless permanent regulations are put in place by then.

The industry warns of paralysis

L’Union of Manufacturers for the Utilization of Hemp Extracts (UIVEC), which represents some of the companies involved in the development of cannabis-based medicines, reacted quickly to François Bayrou's resignation.

«François Bayrou’s resignation comes amid a period of political instability that must under no circumstances jeopardize the future of patients who rely on medical cannabis in France,» the UIVEC emphasized.

The federation praised the work of the Minister of Health, Yannick Neuder, who played a key role in promoting the reform, particularly by securing the approval of the decrees by the European Commission and the Council of State.

But the UIVEC also issued a warning: «Patients must not be held hostage by political upheavals. The widespread adoption of medical cannabis must now be completed.»

What Remains to Be Done

The next crucial step is the publication of the final decrees authorizing production and distribution medical cannabis in France. Without this regulatory approval, national cultivation and supply chains cannot be established, leaving the country dependent on imports and unable to expand patient access.

The concern is that the current political crisis will slow down decision-making at a time when Regulatory clarity is urgently needed. Any delay in signing the remaining decrees risks undermining the reform's credibility and jeopardizing the continuity of patient care.

Benjamin-Alexandre Jeanroy, founder of Augur, a consulting firm specializing in this field, offers the same analysis.

«For now, we are avoiding a dissolution of Parliament and new elections—a scenario that could have seriously jeopardized the process. Continuity at the Ministry of Health would make things easier, as would Bruno Retailleau’s departure. However, both of these conditions seem unlikely, leaving the future still uncertain. But after all, uncertainty has become the norm in this matter in France. This does nothing to alleviate patients» weariness and anxiety.”

In France, the issue of medical cannabis has has always been a test of political will And political turmoil has already been used as an excuse for previous delays. History repeating itself?