Cannabis law in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Using and holding cannabis are criminal offences, and use carries up to one year in prison and a fine of €3,750. The medical cannabis trial ended on 31 December 2024, with a transition period for patients already enrolled.

RuleWhat applies
Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adultCriminal offence [1]
Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adultThe official page gives no numeric threshold below which use or holding is lawful; a 'quantité importante' can lead to a trial. [2]
Growing at homePersonal use by an adult⚠ Not yet verified
Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adultProhibited [1]
Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adultProhibited [2]
Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adultRestricted programme only [3]
VisitorsPersonal use by an adultNot addressed in the source [2]

Notes

  • Use: up to 1 year in prison and a fine of €3,750 (Service-Public also lists a fixed fine of €500, €400 if paid within 15 days). Holding, transport, offering or acquiring illicitly: up to 10 years and a fine of €7,500,000 (Code pénal art. 222-37).
  • Article 222-35 of the Code pénal punishes illicit production of narcotics but does not use the word cultivation, so cultivation by an individual was not confirmed from the sources read.
  • The page does not distinguish public from private places.
  • The trial launched in March 2021 ended on 31 December 2024 and no new patient has been admitted since 27 March 2024. The transition period for enrolled patients runs until 3 months after the opinion of the Haute Autorité de santé, which was still to come.
  • The Service-Public page on drug use has no information on tourists or foreigners.

Sources

  1. Légifrance: Article 222-37, Code pénal (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Que risque-t-on pour usage de drogues ? (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Cannabis thérapeutique (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.