Medical cannabis policy and regulatory modernization efforts have spread across most of the European continent in recent years. However, one notable holdout is France, where such efforts have taken much longer to materialize compared to other nations like Germany. According to recent reports, national medical cannabis reform is expected to occur in France by 2027.

“Health authorities have set a timetable for the implementation of medical cannabis in France by 2027, France Inter revealed on Friday, citing a source close to the matter, after much hesitation from previous governments on this issue.” Radio France stated in its local coverage (translated from French to English). “According to France Inter, within a month, all stakeholders in the medical cannabis sector—manufacturers, patient associations, and pharmacists—will have to submit their comments on a draft decree.”

“This decree—to be submitted to the Council of State before the end of June—will establish the criteria on which the French National Authority for Health (HAS) will have to rule this fall to determine the appropriateness of coverage. It will also determine the reimbursement conditions for this treatment.” the outlet also reported.

According to the European Union Drugs Agency’s 2025 report, France is home to the highest lifetime cannabis usage rate by adults in the European Union. Over half of adults in France (50.4%) report having used cannabis at least once during their lifetime. For context, the next closest nations on the report are Spain at 43.7% and Denmark at 37.6%.

France has conducted a limited medical cannabis pilot trial in recent years, with an estimated 2,761 patients participating in the pilot at varying times. While an exact potential medical cannabis patient base in France is unknown, it is likely a safe bet that there are at least hundreds of thousands of patients, if not millions, who would become legal medical cannabis patients if given the opportunity.

A previous market analysis conducted by Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics found that France is ranked in the top three European markets for cannabis, and that boosting medical cannabis access in France could reduce health care system expenditures by nearly $1 billion.

“There are many opportunities for investment into the French cannabis and wellness markets. Keep in mind, as a medical grower/supplier in France, one has access to the entire EU market. Getting a foot in the door in France could prove to be quite lucrative in the future.” Beau Whitney stated.

A separate study by an economic advisory board within the nation’s prime minister’s office determined that the French government spends roughly €570m annually on cannabis prohibition enforcement. The study recommended that France adopt adult-use cannabis legalization and launch a regulated recreational industry.

Emmanuelle Auriol, a professor at the Toulouse School of Economics who authored the study’s report and findings, estimated that such a policy change could create as many as 80,000 new jobs and generate €2.8bn in taxes annually.