Is Weed Legal in France?

Medical Cannabis Program

The medical cannabis program in France was officially launched in March 2021 as part of a two-year pilot program aimed at evaluating the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for patients suffering from specific medical conditions. This initiative was a response to growing evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabis in treating various ailments and the increasing demand from patients seeking alternative treatments.

Qualifying Conditions

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Chronic pain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuropathic pain
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Severe forms of epilepsy
• Other serious or chronic conditions as determined by a physician

How to Get a Medical Card

To obtain a medical cannabis card in France, patients must follow a structured process:

1. Doctor Consultation: Patients must first consult with a physician who is authorized to prescribe medical cannabis. This doctor will assess the patient's condition and determine if they qualify for the program based on the established criteria.
2. Application Submission: If approved, the physician will submit an application to the French health authorities, detailing the patient's medical history and the proposed treatment plan.
3. Fees: There are no specific fees for the application process itself; however, patients may incur costs associated with the initial doctor consultation, which typically ranges from €50 to €100.
4. Waiting Period: Once the application is submitted, patients can expect a waiting period of approximately 1 to 2 weeks for approval from health authorities.

Purchase Limits

Patients enrolled in the medical cannabis program are allowed to purchase cannabis products with specific monthly limits. Generally, patients can obtain up to 30 grams of cannabis per month. The possession limit for patients is also capped at 30 grams at any given time, ensuring that patients have access to their required medication without exceeding legal limits.

Where to Buy

Medical cannabis in France can be purchased through designated pharmacies that are authorized to dispense these products. As of now, there are no dedicated medical dispensaries; instead, pharmacies serve as the primary point of sale. Patients may also have access to delivery options, although these services are limited and depend on the pharmacy's capabilities.

Growing Rights

Currently, medical cannabis patients in France do not have the legal right to cultivate their own cannabis plants. All cannabis products must be obtained through licensed pharmacies, and home cultivation remains illegal. This restriction is in place to ensure quality control and safety of the products consumed by patients.

Costs

The costs associated with obtaining a medical cannabis card and treatment can vary. The initial consultation with a physician typically costs between €50 and €100. Renewal of the medical card, which is required periodically, may incur similar fees. Additionally, the price of medical cannabis products can vary widely depending on the type and formulation, generally ranging from €10 to €30 per gram.

Important Notes

• Reciprocity with Other Regions: France does not currently recognize medical cannabis cards issued by other countries. Patients traveling to France with a medical cannabis prescription from abroad should be aware that they may not be able to use their medication legally.
• Workplace Protections: There are limited protections for medical cannabis users in the workplace. Employers are not required to accommodate medical cannabis use, and patients may face challenges if they test positive for cannabis in drug screenings.
• Driving Restrictions: Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in France. Patients using medical cannabis should be cautious, as they may face legal repercussions if found driving with THC in their system, regardless of their medical status.