Is Methaqualone (Quaaludes) legal in France?
- Legal status
- Methaqualone (méthaqualone) is classified among controlled narcotics (stupéfiants) under the substances vénéneuses regime of the Code de la santé publique, transposing its 1971 Convention Schedule II status; it is a withdrawn hypnotic with no marketed medical use in France.
- Consequences if caught
- Illicit use or possession up to 1 year plus a fine; trafficking or supply up to 10 years (higher for organised trafficking).
- If prescribed or medical
- No recognised medical use / withdrawn — not available as a prescription medicine.
- Documentation
- No medical or traveller route; there is no prescription pathway for methaqualone.
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
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →