Is Cannabis / THC legal in France?

Legal status

Prohibited (recreational) — a stupéfiant in the same category as heroin/cocaine (Law of 31 Dec 1970); medical-cannabis programme made law by decree March 2024 (prescription only)

Consequences if caught

Recreational cannabis is prohibited and classed as a stupéfiant alongside heroin and cocaine (Law of 31 Dec 1970). Personal use/possession is punishable by up to 1 year's imprisonment and a €3,750 fine (Art L3421-14); since 2019 a first-time minor possession is often dealt with by a €200 fixed fine (amende forfaitaire). Supply/trafficking carries up to 10 years and a €7.5 million fine, rising to 30 years for aggravated/organised offences. Import/export carries up to 10 years and €7.5 million. A medical-cannabis programme was made law by decree in March 2024 (ANSM-controlled, specific conditions, prescription only). Importing THC cannabis is prosecuted as drug trafficking even with a foreign medical card.

If prescribed or medical

Medical cannabis is available only through the French ANSM-controlled programme by prescription; a foreign medical-cannabis card does not authorise importing THC cannabis into France.

Documentation

EU/Schengen travel: carry prescribed narcotics/psychotropics with a Schengen certificate. From outside Schengen: carry the original prescription plus an ANSM personal-transport certificate (Attestation de transport personnel de médicaments stupéfiants) where the destination requires it; up to a 3-month personal supply (or the treatment duration). Keep medicines in hand luggage.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with France’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.