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Cannabis and hemp laws
France
Recreational illegal (EUR 200 fine); medical pilot extended to 2027; HHC banned
Adult use
Illegal
Medical
Limited
Last reviewed
May 28, 2026
France
Cannabinoid status board
No items found.
France
Latest news and analysis
FAQ
Common questions
Is marijuana legal in France?
No, recreational cannabis is illegal in France. Medical cannabis exists only inside a closed, tightly controlled framework that is transitioning from a national experiment to prescription-medicine status.
Is CBD legal in France?
CBD is legal in France as of 2025, with a 0.3% total THC limit and strict import requirements. France raised its hemp THC threshold from 0.2% to 0.3% in 2025, aligning with EU-wide standards.
Is hemp legal in France?
Industrial hemp is legal to cultivate, process and sell in France provided the plant variety is registered in the EU Common Catalogue and the standing crop contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9-THC.
Can you travel to France with cannabis or CBD?
Cannabis import and export are prohibited outside the licensed pharmaceutical chain. CBD products may be imported into France if they comply with the 0.3% total THC limit and carry ISO-accredited COAs translated into French.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Seed Legality
Only certified low-THC hemp seed is lawful; trading or holding drug-type cannabis seeds is prohibited.
Hemp seeds
Restricted
Marijuana seeds
Illegal
Sale
Illegal
Transacting
Illegal
Gifting
Illegal
France allows cannabis only as industrial hemp: Article R.5132-86 of the Code de la santé publique and the arrêté of 30 December 2021 restrict cultivation, import and sale to certified seed of catalogue-listed varieties with THC not exceeding 0.3%, reserved to professional operators, with hemp growing by private individuals prohibited even from certified seed. Seeds of non-certified, drug-type cannabis varieties fall within the narcotics prohibition, and marketing them can additionally be prosecuted as provocation to drug use under Article L.3421-4 of the same code. France recognizes no collector-seed exemption comparable to Spain or the UK.
This section is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Seed laws change frequently — verify current law with qualified counsel before making decisions.