Country profile · Western Europe
France
Europe's largest untapped medical market — moving from trial to a permanent framework by 2026.
Adult-useNot legalPossession for non-medical use is an offence.
MedicalPilotA time-limited trial, transitional or narrow access programme.
Latest milestoneMar 2021Pilot start
Last reviewedStatuses reviewed quarterly by our newsroom
The law in brief
A medical cannabis experiment began in 2021 and has been extended pending a permanent framework. Europe's largest illicit market, with adult use a criminal offence subject to a fixed fine.
Our classification for France: adult use not legal, medical cannabis pilot.
Adult-use: Not legalPossession for non-medical use is an offence.
Medical: PilotA time-limited trial, transitional or narrow access programme.
Key dates and latest developments
France’s Final Medical Cannabis Decree Could Be Complete in the ‘Coming Weeks’
Medical Cannabis
France’s PGP Farmer Selects 5 Cannabis Strains for Future French Production as Market Nears Rollout
Cultivation
Are We Underestimating the Pharmaceutical Potential of the Cannabis Plant?
Cultivation
French Trade Groups Prepare For Key CBD Ruling
CBD Market
Pilot start
Law and policy
