France has long maintained some of Europe’s most restrictive cannabis laws. Classified as a narcotic under the Public Health Code, the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis remains illegal outside limited exceptions. In recent years, however, the country has begun cautiously experimenting with medical cannabis and hemp, responding to patient demand and the growth of the European cannabis industry. This article provides a detailed overview of French cannabis laws, focusing on the legal status of hemp and medical cannabis, the new regulatory decrees submitted to the European Union (EU) in 2025 and the prospects for adult‑use reform. Businesses considering entry into the French market, patients seeking treatment and policymakers will find a comprehensive analysis of the current framework and the road ahead.
French Cannabis Laws a Historical Context and Prohibition
General prohibition under the Public Health Code
Cannabis is classified as a narcotic in France’s Public Health Code. Ministerial orders dating back to the early 1990s prohibit the production, manufacturing, import, export, possession, sale and use of cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC). These provisions remain the backbone of France’s prohibition and make any activity involving cannabis a criminal offence unless specifically authorised by subsequent regulations.
Exceptions for authorised medicinal products
Despite the general prohibition, French law allows certain exceptions. Medicines containing cannabis or its derivatives (such as Sativex or Epidyolex) may be marketed if they receive marketing authorisation from the French Medicines Agency (ANSM) or the European Medicines Agency. This regime treats cannabis‑based medicines like any other pharmaceutical, subject to strict quality and safety requirements. However, until recently there was no legal framework for unapproved cannabis products or plant material to be used therapeutically.
The Medical Cannabis Pilot Programme (2021–2024)
Goals of the pilot
In March 2021 France launched a two‑year pilot programme to explore how medical cannabis might be supplied and prescribed. Up to 3,000 patients with serious conditions that were unresponsive to conventional treatments could participate. The pilot aimed to evaluate patient access, supply logistics, physician training and product quality. Because France lacked domestic cultivation, foreign suppliers selected through a tender provided cannabis products free of charge.
Qualifying conditions
Medical cannabis in the French pilot was available only for five therapeutic indications:
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Neuropathic pain unresponsive to other therapies.
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Severe and pharmaco‑resistant forms of epilepsy.
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Nausea, vomiting and anorexia associated with oncology care.
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Palliative care for patients with end‑stage diseases.
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Painful spasticity related to multiple sclerosis or other central‑nervous‑system disorders.
Products were supplied only in finished forms ready for patients—initially dried flowers for vapourisation, oil and capsules. Smoking was explicitly excluded. Doctors prescribing cannabis had to complete specific training, and prescriptions were reserved for hospital specialists before general practitioners could take over. Dispensing began in hospital pharmacies and later extended to retail pharmacies once patients were stabilised.
Planned transition and delays
The pilot was originally scheduled to end in March 2023, but regulators extended it by a year (Decree No 2023‑202 of 25 March 2023). The program formally concluded on 25 March 2024 with the expectation that a generalised medical cannabis framework would enter into force by 1 January 2025. Political instability and ministerial changes in 2024 delayed the required implementing decrees, leaving patients in limbo. As a result, access to medical cannabis remained limited to those already enrolled in the pilot until further regulations could be finalised.
Hemp and Cannabidiol (CBD) Regulation
THC limits and authorised hemp varieties
Industrial hemp in France is governed by a ministerial order of 30 December 2021. The order authorises the cultivation, import, export and industrial use of hemp plants containing no more than 0.3 % THC, provided they are registered in official seed catalogues. Extracts and products derived from hemp must also meet the 0.3 % THC limit and must be obtained from the whole plant. These rules align France with EU regulations and provide legal certainty for the booming CBD market.
Retail sale of raw hemp flowers
Initially the 2021 order banned the retail sale and possession of raw hemp flowers and leaves, limiting their use to industrial products. The French Council of State annulled this prohibition in December 2022, finding that the government failed to demonstrate a sufficient risk to public health or order. Consequently, the sale of raw hemp flowers and leaves (including pre‑packaged products) is now permitted in France, subject to the 0.3 % THC limit.
Regulatory uncertainties for CBD products
CBD smoking products, e‑liquids, foodstuffs and cosmetics are subject to separate regulations on tobacco, chemicals, novel foods and cosmetics. Packaging must not promote the products or suggest health benefitspracticeguides.chambers.com. Manufacturers must declare their products to the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) before marketing. As of 2025, CBD in food remains a novel food requiring prior authorisation, and ANSES has proposed classifying CBD as a potential human reproductive toxicant. Industry participants continue to seek clearer rules to ensure legal certainty.
Draft Decrees and Orders (2025) – France’s Path to a Permanent Medical Framework
EU notification via TRIS
On 19 March 2025 the French government notified the EU of a draft decree and two orders via the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS). This notification is a necessary step under EU law to ensure national regulations are compatible with internal market rules. The documents specify how medical cannabis will be produced, authorised and prescribed in France. The EU “status‑quo” period was set to end on 20 June 2025, after which the decrees could be enacted if no objections were raised.
Key provisions in the draft decree
The draft decree and orders outline a tightly controlled medical cannabis framework:
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Pharmaceutical establishments only: Use authorisations for cannabis‑based medicinal products may be granted only to companies recognised as “pharmaceutical establishments” under the Public Health Code. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with good manufacturing practices and other standards similar to those required for conventional medicines.
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Indoor cultivation and security: Cannabis cultivation for medical purposes must be conducted indoors by growers contracted with an authorised pharmaceutical establishment. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited, and facilities must meet strict security requirements.
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Treatment of last resort: Medical cannabis will remain a last‑line therapy; physicians may prescribe it only when other therapies have failed or are not tolerated. Initial prescriptions must be issued in hospitals, and prescribers must complete approved training.
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Permitted products and forms: Products may only be marketed as finished goods and must be supplied in secure, tamper‑proof packaging. Dried or granulated flowering tops are prohibited unless packaged securely. Oral and sublingual forms are authorised, while smoking is banned; inhalation is allowed only via certified medical devices.
These provisions indicate that France intends to integrate medical cannabis into its pharmaceutical system, rather than creating a separate cannabis industry.
Transition period extension to 2026
While the EU reviews the draft regulations, the Health Ministry has extended the pilot programme until 31 March 2026 to ensure continuity of care. Only patients enrolled in the original trial may continue receiving cannabis products under existing protocols. Dried flower products have been removed from the authorised list during this extension. The transition does not allow new patients or suppliers and preserves the pilot’s strict controls.
Government announcements and industry reaction
France’s Health Ministry described the March 2025 notification as a “new stage” toward secure and supervised access to medical cannabis. The accompanying press release clarified that trial patients could continue receiving treatment and emphasised that the new framework clarifies conditions for production and authorisation. The ministry also acknowledged that the extended trial until March 31 2026 is a significant expansion from the previous end‑date of summer 2025.
Industry associations welcomed the move. The Union des industriels pour la valorisation des extraits de chanvre (Union for the Promotion of Hemp Extracts) called the announcement a “welcome relief” for existing patients and expressed hope that a medicinal cannabis sector would now be created. Stakeholders estimated that, following EU approval, treatments could become more widely available within six months.
International reporting
Media coverage highlighted that France’s four‑year campaign to establish a regulated medical cannabis framework was finally moving forward. On 19 March 2025 officials sent three documents to the EU, each covering a different aspect of medical cannabis regulation. Commentators noted that the first decree defines the overall framework while the other two specify technical details and enforceable standards, potentially creating one of Europe’s largest regulated markets. However, analysts stressed that medical cannabis will remain a treatment of last resort and patients must demonstrate that conventional therapies have failed.
Licensing and Commercial Opportunities
Pharmaceutical‑centric licensing
Under the draft decree, only pharmaceutical establishments—companies authorised to produce and market medicinal products—may apply for use authorisations for cannabis‑based medicines. This requirement effectively excludes non‑pharmaceutical cannabis companies and importers from obtaining licences, narrowing competition and reinforcing the pharmaceutical nature of the system.
To obtain approval, applicants must submit dossiers to ANSM similar to those required for marketing authorisation of other drugs, except that clinical trial results are not mandatory. Companies must demonstrate compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) and other quality guidelines. The authorisation is valid for five years and is renewable.
Cultivation agreements
Growers may cultivate cannabis only if they have a contract with an authorised pharmaceutical establishment. Indoor cultivation is mandated and must adhere to strict security, environmental and quality requirements. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited to prevent diversion and ensure consistent quality. This model mirrors pharmaceutical supply chains and may limit opportunities for small cultivators and rural communities.
Product forms and distribution
Medical cannabis products must be supplied as finished goods—patients cannot obtain bulk flowers or prepare their own medicines. Dried flower may be permitted only if sealed in tamper‑proof packaging; otherwise, oral or sublingual formats (oils, capsules) will dominate. Inhaled products are allowed only through devices certified as medical devices.
Initial prescriptions will be issued in hospital settings and will later be transferred to trained general practitioners. Pharmacists must track dispensing and report data to ANSM. Like other controlled substances, cannabis prescriptions will be subject to monitoring and restrictions on advertising.
Adult‑Use Cannabis and Legislative Reform
Current status
Adult‑use cannabis remains illegal in France. The practice guide notes that adult use legalization is unlikely in the near term. Possession of cannabis for personal use can result in fines or criminal penalties, although enforcement varies across jurisdictions. A fixed‑penalty fine of €200 was introduced in 2020 to simplify enforcement; however, repeat offenders or those found with large quantities may still face prosecution.
Legislative debates and public opinion
Although successive governments have rejected recreational legalisation, public attitudes are shifting. Polls indicate that a majority of French citizens support medical cannabis and a growing minority favours regulated adult‑use. In 2021 the French National Assembly launched a citizen consultation that received more than 250,000 responses, with 80 % expressing support for legalisation of recreational cannabis. The government largely ignored the findings, but the exercise highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with existing policies.
In January 2022 the National Assembly rejected a draft bill to legalise recreational cannabis, citing concerns over public health and international obligations. The French Academy of Medicine issued a statement in April 2025 opposing recreational legalisation, arguing that it would increase health problems and youth consumption. For now, lawmakers prefer to focus on medical access and hemp regulation.
Decriminalisation and enforcement reforms
France has not decriminalised cannabis possession. Under the current penal code, possession of narcotics is punishable by up to one year in prison and a €3,750 fine, although prosecutors rarely seek custodial sentences for small amounts. The fixed‑penalty fine system introduced in 2020 allows police to issue an on‑the‑spot fine of €200, which is reduced to €150 if paid promptly. Advocates argue that decriminalisation would free law‑enforcement resources and reduce the burden on courts, while opponents warn that it could normalise drug use.
Prospects for Future Reform
Timeline for medical cannabis rollout
If the EU does not object to the notified decree and orders, France could publish the final regulations as early as the fourth quarter of 2025. Following publication, ANSM must develop training programmes for prescribers, establish reimbursement and pricing rules and authorise pharmaceutical establishments. The Health Ministry’s statements suggest that treatments could become broadly available within six months after EU approval. However, the recent dissolution of the National Assembly and political uncertainty may introduce further delays.
Potential expansion of qualifying conditions
During the pilot, medical cannabis was restricted to five indications. Advocates hope that regulators will eventually expand the list to include chronic pain, mental health conditions and other illnesses. The draft decree does not expand the conditions but allows ANSM to authorise new pharmaceutical forms. Given the cautious approach adopted to date, significant expansion may depend on further research and advocacy.
Interaction with EU law
EU law permits member states to regulate medicinal cannabis but requires that national measures comply with internal market rules. By notifying the draft decree via TRIS, France ensures that its regulations can be scrutinised by other member states and the European Commission. If the Commission or another member state raises concerns, the “status‑quo” period may be extended, delaying implementation. For now, EU harmonisation on medical cannabis remains limited; each country sets its own rules, creating a patchwork across the bloc.
Chances of adult‑use legalisation
France is unlikely to legalise recreational cannabis in the short term. Although neighbouring Germany and Luxembourg are moving toward regulated adult‑use markets, French policymakers emphasise public health concerns and international obligations. A change in government or EU‑wide harmonisation could shift the debate, but current signals from the Health Ministry and leading parties suggest that adult‑use will remain prohibited for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is cannabis legal in France?
No. Cannabis is classified as a narcotic and is illegal to cultivate, possess or sell. Exceptions exist for authorised medicinal products and hemp with less than 0.3 % THC.
What conditions qualify for medical cannabis in France?
France’s pilot programme and draft regulations limit medical cannabis to five conditions: neuropathic pain, certain epilepsies, oncology care (nausea/vomiting), palliative care and painful spasticity related to multiple sclerosis or similar disorders.
Can patients smoke medical cannabis?
No. Smoking of medical cannabis is prohibited. Dried flowers may be available only if supplied in tamper‑proof packaging, and inhalation is permitted only via certified medical devices.
Who can grow medical cannabis in France?
Only growers contracted with authorised pharmaceutical establishments may cultivate cannabis for medical purposes. Cultivation must occur indoors, and outdoor growing is prohibited.
When will medical cannabis be fully legal in France?
If the EU approves France’s draft decree, final regulations could be published by late 2025. The pilot program has been extended until 31 March 2026 to allow time for implementation. Broad patient access may begin within six months after EU approval.
Is adult‑use cannabis on the horizon?
There is no immediate plan to legalise recreational cannabis in France. Lawmakers and the Health Ministry have signalled that adult‑use legalisation is unlikely in the near future.
Conclusion
French cannabis laws are in transition. While general prohibition remains, the country is cautiously creating a regulated medical framework. The pilot programme demonstrated the feasibility of supplying and prescribing cannabis for a limited set of serious conditions. The draft decree and orders notified to the EU in March 2025 outline a pharmaceutical‑centric system that restricts cultivation and supply to authorised establishments, mandates indoor growing and maintains medical cannabis as a last‑resort therapy. In parallel, hemp and CBD markets are evolving under a 0.3 % THC threshold, and the retail sale of raw flowers is permitted following a court ruling Adult‑use legalisation, however, remains off the agenda.
As France advances toward a permanent medical cannabis framework, industry participants should prepare for stringent licensing requirements and limited patient populations. Patients and advocates will need to continue lobbying for broader access and an expanded list of qualifying conditions. Until comprehensive regulations are adopted and the EU gives its blessing, medical cannabis in France will remain tightly controlled and accessible only to a small number of patients.
