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On July 21, 2026, the parliament in Paris gave final approval to the so-called RIPOST law. For cannabis consumers, this means one thing above all: the fixed fine is rising from 200 to 500 euros. We covered the introduction of this penalty back when France first sought to punish drug offenses with a 200-euro fine; this article serves as a follow-up.
Thus, a measure that was marketed in 2020 as a pragmatic way to relieve the burden on the judicial system has become significantly more expensive within six years. The path to this outcome involved a convoluted parliamentary process. The Senate had approved the increase, but the National Assembly initially struck it down; however, it ultimately prevailed in the joint committee of both chambers on July 20, 2026.
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Frankreich erhöht die Cannabis-Geldstrafe auf 500 Euro: Was das RIPOST-Gesetz bedeutet
What is the RIPOST law?
(google AI)
- Free Parties and Unauthorised Raves: Gatherings of more than 250 people must now be reported to the state (down from 500). Organizing an illegal rave can land a person up to 2 years in prison and a €30,000 fine, and police can seize sound systems. [1, 2, 3]
- Urban Rodeos: The law massively increases penalties for dangerous, illegal street racing and stunt driving. [1, 2]
- Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide): Inhaling it recreationally “outside a medical setting” is now punishable by one year in prison and a €3,750 fine. Selling or transporting it carries even harsher penalties. [1]
- Squatting & Commercial Property: Landowners can now use a fast-tracked administrative process via local prefects to kick out illegal squatters from commercial, agricultural, or professional buildings without waiting months for a court judge. [1]
- Officer Pseudonyms: A rule allowing police and gendarmes to use fake names on paperwork to protect their identities was rejected for hurting the rights of the defense. [1]
- Vehicle Destruction: The state cannot immediately destroy seized rodeo vehicles without giving the owner a chance to be heard. [1]
- Vague Delinquency Laws: A ban on driving a “powerful vehicle” was tossed out because the government didn’t clearly define what counts as “powerful”. [1]
- Fireworks Commerces: Immediate administrative closures of shops selling fireworks were deemed too damaging to the freedom to do business. [1]
