France: Cannabis Laws (Plain-Language Guide)
Last updated: October 14, 2025
Legal notice: This page is informational only and not legal advice. Always verify on the official French government sites linked here and follow the strictest rule that applies to you. See our Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty and Terms of Use.
High-Level Status
- Recreational: Illegal. France classifies cannabis among stupéfiants (narcotics). Use/possession is an offence under the Code de la santé publique and Code pénal provisions.
- Medical/CBD: Very limited pathways; CBD products must meet stringent requirements (notably regarding THC content and source). Non-compliant products can be considered narcotics.
Use/Possession: Penalties (Overview)
- Article L3421-1 of the Code de la santé publique makes illegal use of narcotics an offence. Since 2019, certain situations may be addressed with a forfaitary fine (“amende forfaitaire délictuelle”) as administrative handling—verify current practice on the official portals below.
Supply/Cultivation
- Trafficking, supply, and cultivation are criminal offences with substantial penalties under French law.
Driving (Stupéfiants & Road Safety)
- Driving after using narcotics (including cannabis) is a serious offence with strict penalties (fines, licence suspension, potential imprisonment). Official portals provide current sanction levels and enforcement procedures.
CBD Notes
- CBD legality is nuanced: products must comply with EU/French rules and must not contain controlled THC beyond allowed thresholds. Non-compliant products risk enforcement as narcotics.
Travel & Borders
- Do not bring cannabis into France. Customs enforcement is strict. Medical authorizations from other countries may not be recognized.
Verify on Official Sources
- Legifrance: primary legal texts (Code de la santé publique, Code pénal).
- Service-Public, Sécurité Routière, and Santé publique France provide official citizen-facing guidance on narcotics law and road safety.