Is Crack Cocaine legal in France?
- Legal status
- Crack is the freebase (base) form of cocaine and has no separate legal identity in France: it is controlled AS cocaine, classified as a stupéfiant (narcotic) under the Public Health Code (Law of 31 Dec 1970), whose narcotic classification covers cocaine, its salts and preparations and so reaches the base/freebase form. Crack is treated identically to cocaine as an illegal stupéfiant.
- Consequences if caught
- Use of crack (as cocaine) is an offence (Art L3421-1, up to 1 year); trafficking under the Penal Code carries up to 10 years, and organised trafficking up to 30 years.
- If prescribed or medical
- Cocaine hydrochloride has residual authorised use as a topical anaesthetic under narcotic prescribing rules; the crack/freebase base has no pharmaceutical form and is not prescribable.
- Documentation
- No medical documentation exists for crack/freebase cocaine; it is not an authorised medicinal product.
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.
Before you travel
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Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
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