Efforts to modernize policies and regulations surrounding medical cannabis have spread across much of the European continent in recent years. France, however, stands out as a notable exception, as progress there has been significantly slower than in countries such as Germany. According to recent reports, nationwide reform of medical cannabis regulations in France is now expected to take place in 2027.
“Health authorities have established a timeline for the introduction of medical cannabis in France in 2027,” France Inter reported on Friday, citing a source close to the matter, following years of hesitation by previous governments on the issue. Radio France stated in its local broadcast (translated from French into English): “According to France Inter, all stakeholders in the medical cannabis sector—producers, patient associations, and pharmacists—must submit their comments on a draft decree within a month.”
Regulatory Framework and Reimbursement Rules
“This decree, which must be submitted to the Council of State before the end of June, will define the criteria that the French National Health Authority (HAS) will use this autumn to determine whether the treatment will be eligible for reimbursement. It will also establish the conditions under which the treatment will be reimbursed,” the news source reported.
France Leads EU in Lifetime Cannabis Use
According to the 2025 report of the European Drug Agency (EADA), France has the highest percentage of adults in the European Union who report having used cannabis at least once in their lifetime. More than half of adults in France (50.4%) say they have used cannabis at least once. By comparison, the countries that come closest are Spain, with 43.7%, and Denmark, with 37.6%.
Medical Cannabis Pilot Program in France
In recent years, France has conducted a small-scale pilot program on medical cannabis, in which an estimated 2,761 patients participated at various times. While the exact number of patients who could potentially benefit from medical cannabis in France remains unknown, it is likely that at least hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of patients could legally use medical cannabis if it were made accessible.
Economic Potential of the French Cannabis Market
An earlier market analysis by Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics found that France ranks among the top three cannabis markets in Europe. The analysis also suggested that improving access to medical cannabis in France could reduce healthcare system expenditures by nearly $1 billion.
“There are many investment opportunities in the French cannabis and wellness market. Keep in mind that as a medical cultivator or supplier in France, you would have access to the entire EU market. Establishing a foothold in France could prove highly lucrative in the future,” said Beau Whitney.
Costs of Prohibition and Potential Economic Benefits
A separate study conducted by an economic advisory council within the Prime Minister’s office found that the French government spends approximately €570 million annually on enforcing cannabis prohibition. The report recommended that France legalize cannabis for adult use and establish a regulated recreational cannabis industry.
Emmanuelle Auriol, a professor at the Toulouse School of Economics and author of the report, estimated that such a policy change could create up to 80,000 new jobs and generate around €2.8 billion in annual tax revenue.