Medical Cannabis Prescription in France

FranceProgram Active

Guide to France’s medical cannabis experiment. Learn about qualifying conditions, the ANSM registration process, free access through the trial, and the application steps.

View all European medical cannabis guides →Medical cannabis conditions →

Program Details

Average Cost

Free (covered under the experiment)

Year Established

2021

Prescription

Required

InsuranceCovered

Online ConsultNot Available

Pharmacy AccessAvailable

Program StatusActive

Overview

France launched a medical cannabis experiment (expérimentation du cannabis thérapeutique) in March 2021, initially enrolling 3,000 patients. The experiment has been extended and expanded as the French government evaluates the results before potentially establishing a permanent program. Under the experiment, eligible patients receive cannabis products free of charge.

France has historically had some of the strictest cannabis laws in Europe, making its gradual embrace of medical cannabis significant. The experiment is managed by the ANSM and involves carefully selected reference centers across the country. Products include oils, dried flowers for vaporization, and capsules, all meeting pharmaceutical-grade quality standards.

Key Facts

•France’s medical cannabis experiment began in March 2021 and has been extended while permanent legislation is developed.
•Products are provided free of charge to enrolled patients — costs are covered by the experiment’s budget.
•Only hospital-based specialists at designated reference centers can enroll patients in the experiment.
•Cannabis products available include oils, dried flower (for vaporization only), and capsules.
•France is evaluating the experiment’s data to decide on permanent medical cannabis legislation.

How to Get a Prescription: Step-by-Step

1You must be referred by your treating physician to a hospital-based specialist who participates in France’s medical cannabis experiment (expérimentation du cannabis médical).

2The hospital specialist evaluates your condition and confirms that at least two conventional treatments have failed. Only specific qualifying conditions are covered.

3If accepted, the specialist registers you in the national experiment through the ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament) platform.

4Cannabis products (oils, dried flower, capsules) are dispensed free of charge through participating hospital pharmacies or designated community pharmacies.

5Regular follow-up consultations are mandatory. Treatment data is collected as part of the experiment to inform future permanent legislation.

Qualifying Conditions

+Neuropathic pain refractory to conventional therapies

+Multiple sclerosis or other CNS spasticity

+Chemotherapy-related symptoms (nausea, pain)

+Palliative care situations

+Treatment-resistant epilepsy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is medical cannabis legal in France?+

Medical cannabis is available through a government-run experiment that began in 2021. It is not yet fully legalized as a permanent program. Access is limited to patients enrolled in the experiment through designated hospital reference centers.

How much does medical cannabis cost in France?+

Under the current experiment, medical cannabis products are provided free of charge to enrolled patients. If and when a permanent program is established, pricing and reimbursement structures will be determined by the government.

Can I smoke medical cannabis in France?+

No, smoking is not an approved route of administration under the French experiment. Dried flower is provided only for use with a vaporizer. Other available forms include cannabis oils and capsules.

Medical Cannabis in Other European Countries

Explore medical cannabis prescription guides for other European countries with active programs.

€8–€15/g (free in some regions via SSN)

Luxembourg

Est. 2018

€8–€15/g (partial reimbursement available)

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Cannabis laws and medical programs in France are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with France's official health authority and consult with a qualified health care provider before pursuing medical cannabis treatment. Cannabismarketcap does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented.