They are big charges for France but if you take a look at the finer details the conditions for which prescriptions are available are, shall we say, somewhat limited
Published by Jakob Horak
Cannabis Consulting | Founder of TOKE | Cannerald Representative |
France has taken a historic step by officially regulating medical cannabis through a newly published decree. This regulation, aligned with the 2024 Social Security Financing Law, establishes a legal framework for the prescription, production, and distribution of cannabis-based medicines.
For years, France has been cautious about cannabis, but this decree marks a turning point, setting strict guidelines for patient safety, pharmaceutical quality, and regulatory oversight.
Cannabis as a Medicine, Not a Controversy
Unlike some countries where medical cannabis is widely available, France has opted for a highly regulated approach. The new Code of Public Health (Code de la Santé Publique) section on medical cannabis ensures that only approved cannabis-based medications can be prescribed, eliminating any recreational loopholes.
Who Can Get Medical Cannabis?
Patients won’t be able to access medical cannabis freely. Instead, it will be prescribed only in cases where conventional treatments have failed. The key approved indications include:
• Neuropathic pain resistant to conventional therapies
• Severe, drug-resistant epilepsy, including rare genetic forms
• Spasticity related to multiple sclerosis or other central nervous system disorders
• Palliative care & oncology-related symptoms (pain, nausea, loss of appetite, depression, sleep disorders)
This means medical cannabis will be a last-resort treatment, only available when all other options prove ineffective.
No Smoking Allowed – Only Pharmaceutical-Grade Forms
One of the biggest differences between France’s approach and that of other countries is the ban on smoking dried flowers. Instead, medical cannabis will be available in strictly controlled pharmaceutical formulations, such as:
• Oral solutions (oils, capsules)
• Sublingual drops
• Inhalable products (only via certified vaporization devices)
All products must have precisely controlled ratios of Δ9-THC and CBD, ensuring safety, consistency, and efficacy.
Strict Approval Process & Quality Control
To bring a cannabis-based medicine to market, pharmaceutical companies must undergo a rigorous approval process under the supervision of the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM). Applications must include:
• Detailed chemical & pharmacological analysis
• Stability, conservation, and toxicological data
• Proof of therapeutic benefits
• A pharmacovigilance plan(to track potential side effects)
Once approved, products will be closely monitored, and any safety concerns could lead to modifications, suspensions, or even market withdrawals.
Doctors & Pharmacies: Key Players in Implementation
Not every doctor can prescribe medical cannabis. The decree requires that only physicians who complete specialized training(certified by the Ministry of Health and the High Authority of Health) can prescribe cannabis-based treatments.
Distribution will be exclusively through pharmacies, ensuring controlled dispensing, proper patient education, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Pharmacovigilance: Monitoring Risks & Ensuring Patient Safety
To prevent misuse and guarantee patient safety, pharmaceutical companies must:
✅ Report all adverse effects linked to cannabis-based treatments
✅ Provide regular safety updates to ANSM
✅ Ensure full traceability of production & distribution
Should any new risks emerge, the ANSM has full authority to adjust or revoke product authorizations.
A Carefully Controlled Future for Medical Cannabis in France
With this decree, France is not just legalizing medical cannabis—it’s regulating it with precision. By ensuring strict quality standards, clear prescribing rules, and robust patient protections, the country is setting a high benchmark for responsible cannabis use in healthcare.
For thousands of patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, or severe neurological disorders, this could be a game-changing moment.
As more European countries explore medical cannabis, France’s model of controlled access and pharmaceutical oversight could serve as a blueprint for others.
We are stepping into a new era—where medical cannabis is no longer a controversy, but a carefully managed therapeutic tool.
