French Guiana

Is Weed Legal in French Guiana?

Status

Illegal

Covers

Cannabis / Marijuana

Jurisdiction

Other

Last updated

May 29, 2026

The short answer

Recreational marijuana is illegal in French Guiana. As an overseas department and region of France (DROM), the territory applies the French Code de la sante publique (Articles L3421-1 et seq.) and the Code penal Article 222-37 to all cannabis offenses, with enforcement by the Gendarmerie nationale and Direction territoriale de la police nationale in Cayenne.

Personal-use possession was placed under a forfait penalty of 200 EUR by the 2020 reform (Loi du 24 decembre 2020), and trafficking offenses carry up to ten years imprisonment under Article 222-37 of the French Penal Code. The Mission interministerielle de lutte contre les drogues et les conduites addictives (MILDECA) sets policy in Paris. French Guiana is a major transit corridor for South American cocaine, but cannabis enforcement focuses on local cultivation in the Maroni River basin and Suriname cross-border traffic, coordinated through Operation Harpie.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.

Key facts ·

French Guiana

Key facts

Rules at a glance

All countries

THC limit

Prohibited

Regulator

Gendarmerie nationale; Direction territoriale de la police nationale; MILDECA

Key regulation

Code de la sante publique Articles L3421-1 et seq.; Code penal Article 222-37; Loi du 24 decembre 2020

Effective

December 31, 1970

Adult-use cannabis

Illegal

Medical cannabis

Illegal

For brands and importers

Import and export rules

Cannabis import and export are prohibited under the French Code des douanes. Direction generale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) and Forces armees en Guyane patrol the Maroni and Oyapock river borders with Suriname and Brazil. Felix Eboue International Airport in Cayenne is the primary inspection point for inbound flights.

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