Is Weed Legal in France?

Recreational cannabis is illegal in France. Under Article L.3421-1 of the Code de la sante publique, illicit use carries up to 1 year imprisonment and a EUR 3,750 fine. Since 2019 simple personal use is typically handled via an amende forfaitaire delictuelle (AFD) of EUR 200 (reduced to EUR 150 if paid within 15 days, raised to EUR 450 after 45 days). President Macron announced in late 2025 plans to raise the AFD to EUR 500, but as of May 2026 the EUR 200 baseline remains in force.

Medical cannabis remains in a pilot phase launched in March 2021 under ANSM supervision, originally scheduled to end March 31, 2026 and extended again to March 31, 2027 while the permanent framework is finalised. The permanent decree was approved by Brussels (June 2025) and validated by the Conseil d'Etat (August 2025); first reimbursement tiers (65%, 30%, 10%, 0%) were presented February 18, 2026, with common-law integration expected late 2026 / early 2027.

Cultivation, sale, transport or possession beyond personal-use quantities is prosecuted under Articles 222-34 to 222-43 of the Code penal (up to 10 years and EUR 7,500,000 fines for trafficking).