Wondering what the weed laws are in France?
Whether you’re interested in recreational or medicinal legality, or just want to know where you stand with CBD, this article will provide all of the basic information you might need before traveling to France.
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Is Weed Legal in France?
No, weed is not legal in France. The laws are described as “among the harshest in the European Union” when it comes to weed, and despite some increasing public debate, the status quo remains unchanged.
French law is clear that “incitement to use narcotics” – of which, of course, weed falls under, despite popular opinion – is an offense. This is codified in Article L-3421-4 of France’s Public Health Code, and can incur a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of €75,000 for promotion of drug use or trafficking.
Weed Law in France
Can you legally grow weed in France?
No, growing weed (or any other plant that might produce psychoactive effects) – even for personal use – is illegal in France. Penalties for cultivation can be severe, with sentences of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of €7.5m potentially imposed on those found growing marijuana in the country.
Though it is legal to buy and sell weed seeds in a number of European countries, France included, and they can even be mailed to addresses within France, sprouting the seeds to grow plants is very much not legal.
Can You Buy and Sell Cannabis in France?
Buying or selling cannabis in any form is illegal in France. Sellers can receive up to a decade in jail and face up to a €7.5 million fine. If the sale involves minors or takes place in close proximity to schools, the value can be doubled and min-maxed. Just as with the drinking age in France, there are strict regulations on substances, and violating these laws can have serious consequences.
Is CBD Legal in France?
Cannabidiol (CBD)—a non-psychoactive compound derived from weed—is legal in France, but with some restrictions.
The French government allows the sale of CBD products, provided they contain less than 0.2% tamh (the psychoactive component of weed, commonly referred to as THC), and originate from approved strains of industrial hemp with low THC content.
This helps to prevent the "high" associated with marijuana consumption, while still allowing French consumers to enjoy the wellness benefits of CBD.
What is Weed Used for in France?
Recreational use of weed remains illegal, but there has been a growing interest in the potential medicinal and industrial uses of marijuana.
Medicinal Use: The permitted uses of medicinal weed is still incredibly restrictive in France, with only a handful of conditions currently qualifying for a prescription.
Recreational Use: Legislation surrounding recreational weed use remains a hot topic, but there is no legal framework in place to allow its sale or use.
Industrial Use: Hemp, a variety within the weed family that has low THC levels, is farmed in France for industrial applications (such as fiber and oil production).
Weed Attitudes in France
Public and Political Stances
France is a country divided over weed. While few political parties openly advocate for the country to follow in the footsteps of Canada, and full-legalize marijuana, most of the public recognise the therapeutic benefit found within the plant.
This acceptance points to an increasing consciousness of the potential uses of medical weed, as opposed to complete liberalization of laws surrounding recreational use.
While France does exempt medicinal products derived from weed under regulation, the French government remains publicly steadfast against the recreational decriminalization of the drug.
However, in June 2019, a group of 20 MPs tabled a report calling for controlled production, sale, and use of the drug to be completely legalized.
This lessening of the country's laws on weed were also supported by a public letter, published by France's leading magazine Le Nouvel Observateur, in which 70 signatories ranging from doctors to economists to national and local elected officials called for weed legalization.
FAQ
What is the fine for weed in France?
Penalties can vary, but generally fines and potential prison time are at stake for possession.
Which European country is weed legal in?
Countries such as the Netherlands and Portugal have looser cannabis laws.
What do they call weed in France?
Weed is most often referred to as "herbe," or "marijuana."
What drugs are illegal in France?
France has prohibitions on a range of drugs, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, MDMA, and, unlicensed, cannabis.
Summary
France has tough laws against the use, possession, sale, and cultivation of weed.
While the prospect of medical and recreational use remains a hot topic for debate, travelers must be aware of and respectful to current laws – or risk facing severe consequences.
For those interested in CBD products, make sure they meet French rules on THC content first.