In France, possession and use of cannabis fall under criminal law and the Loi du 31 décembre 1970, regarding health measures against drug abuse and suppression of drug trafficking. Thus, it is forbidden to produce, import and sell recreational cannabis containing THC. However, on 13 January 2022, the French National Assembly dismissed a draft law related to the legalization of the production, offer and use of cannabis over the French government’s control.
Nonetheless, derogations exist for medical purposes. The pharmaceutical establishments and any establishments authorized by the French Health Agency (ANSM) to manufacture, import, and distribute active substances may be allowed to perform the above-mentioned acts, including, since 1st March 2022, the culture and production of cannabis. Cannabis plants may only be held and cultivated for medicinal purposes by growers who entered into an agreement with these establishments.
Also, certain varieties of cannabis, without narcotic properties, can be used for industrial and commercial purposes under two cumulative conditions: the plant is one of the authorized varieties of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.); and the plant as well as the end-product must have a THC content of less than 0.3%.