French Cannabis Laws: Zero Tolerance
France has some of the strictest cannabis laws in Western Europe — and paradoxically, the highest usage rates in the EU (22% of 15-34 year olds).
The law:
Any possession is illegal, regardless of amount
Penalties: up to 1 year imprisonment and €3,750 fine
Dealing/trafficking: up to 10 years and €7.5 million fine
Driving under influence: 2 years prison, €4,500 fine
2020 reform — the "amende forfaitaire":
A simplified fine of €200 for possession of small amounts
This is NOT decriminalization — it's a streamlined penalty
Police can still choose to arrest rather than fine
The fine appears on your criminal record
Repeat offenses can escalate to full prosecution
Medical cannabis:
France launched a medical cannabis experiment in 2021 (5-year pilot)
Extremely limited — only about 3,000 patients enrolled
Not broadly available through regular pharmacies
The contradiction: Despite strict laws, cannabis is embedded in French culture. The smell of cannabis in Paris parks, along the Canal Saint-Martin, and in nightlife areas is unmistakable. Police enforcement is selective and often influenced by racial profiling — a deeply controversial aspect of French drug policy.
For tourists: Exercise real caution. France is NOT Amsterdam, Prague, or Barcelona. Getting caught can result in a fine, arrest, or — for non-EU visitors — immigration complications.
Paris's CBD Scene
While THC cannabis is illegal, CBD (under 0.3% THC) is legal and Paris has embraced it:
CBD shops:
Green House (Bastille, multiple) — one of Paris's first CBD shops, wide selection of flowers, oils, and edibles
Deli Hemp (Le Marais) — stylish CBD boutique in the trendiest neighborhood
CBD Corner (various) — chain of CBD shops across Paris
High Society (multiple) — well-known French CBD brand with Parisian locations
CBD cafés:
Several Parisian cafés now serve CBD-infused drinks (coffees, teas, smoothies)
The concept is newer than in London or Amsterdam but growing rapidly
Prices are typically €5-10 for CBD beverages
CBD flower: Legal CBD flower (hemp) is widely available in Parisian CBD shops. However, carrying it in public is risky because it looks and smells identical to illegal cannabis. Police may not distinguish between the two, leading to potential stops and testing.
Legal nuances: In December 2022, France's highest court ruled that CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal. This ended years of legal uncertainty but the market is still establishing itself.
Quality: French CBD products are generally high quality and increasingly organic/bio. Look for products with lab test certificates (certificats d'analyse).
Paris Cannabis Neighborhoods (Cultural Guide)
Disclaimer: This describes cannabis culture, not recommendations for illegal activity.
Canal Saint-Martin (10th/11th)
Paris's hipster epicenter. The canal banks on summer evenings have a visible cannabis culture alongside wine and picnics. Young, progressive crowd. CBD shops nearby.
Belleville / Ménilmontant (20th)
Multicultural, artistic neighborhood. Cannabis culture is part of the diverse community. Street art, bars, and a bohemian atmosphere.
Le Marais (3rd/4th)
Trendy quarter with CBD shops and a progressive culture. Gay Village area is cannabis-friendly. Great for CBD café visits.
Bastille / Oberkampf (11th)
Nightlife district where cannabis culture intersects with bar and club scenes. Multiple CBD shops.
Barbès / Château Rouge (18th)
Traditionally associated with cannabis street market. Strongly avoid buying here — quality is poor, scams are common, and the area is heavily policed. Police operations specifically target this area.
Latin Quarter (5th)
Student area near the Sorbonne. Cannabis culture exists among the university crowd but is discreet.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont / Parc de la Villette (19th)
Larger parks where outdoor cannabis consumption occurs, especially in warm weather. Discreet use in quieter areas of these parks is common.
Safety & Legal Risks
Police stops: French police conduct random identity checks (contrôle d'identité) that are controversial for racial profiling. If you have cannabis:
Police can search you during an identity check with "reasonable suspicion"
Refusing a search can escalate the situation
If found with cannabis, you'll likely receive the €200 fixed fine
In some cases, police may arrest and hold you for up to 24 hours (garde à vue)
For non-EU tourists:
A cannabis fine or arrest WILL appear in French police records
This could affect future Schengen visa applications
For Americans/Canadians/UK citizens: it's unlikely to affect future travel to France but could complicate other immigration processes
Neighborhoods to be cautious:
Tourist areas (Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame) have high police presence
Gare du Nord area has both cannabis availability and significant police operations
Barbès/Château Rouge is heavily patrolled
Hash quality warning: Most street-level hash in Paris is of poor quality and potentially adulterated. Synthetic cannabinoids have been detected in products sold as hash. This is a genuine health risk.
Best approach for tourists: Enjoy Paris's CBD scene legally. If you choose to consume THC cannabis, do so only in truly private spaces (your accommodation with curtains drawn). Avoid public consumption entirely.
Practical Tips
Language: French is essential for any police interaction. Useful phrases:
"Je ne parle pas français" (I don't speak French) — then request an English-speaking officer
Cannabis = "cannabis" or "herbe"
CBD = "CBD" (pronounced say-bay-day in French)
Airports (CDG/ORY): Charles de Gaulle and Orly have customs with drug detection capabilities. Never bring cannabis into France. CBD products should have clear labeling showing THC content under 0.3%.
Smoking culture: France has extensive no-smoking laws. Cannabis falls under the same indoor restrictions as tobacco, plus its own criminal penalties. Terraces and outdoor café areas are where Parisians smoke tobacco — and sometimes cannabis, very discreetly.
Amsterdam connection: If cannabis tourism is your primary goal, consider a Thalys/Eurostar train to Amsterdam (3.5 hours from Paris Nord). Full coffeeshop access vs. Paris's legal risks.
Cannabis in French culture: Despite strict laws, cannabis references appear throughout French culture — in films, music (French rap especially), and literature. The disconnect between law and culture is a constant French debate.
Budget: CBD products in Paris are €8-15/gram for flower, €20-40 for quality oils. If accessing THC cannabis through social channels, expect Paris prices of €10-12/gram — similar to London.
Best time: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) — perfect weather for park culture. Summer is hot and many Parisians leave the city in August.
Author
Nyke Perényi
Head of Marketing, Weed.de
Nyke Perényi is Head of Marketing at Weed.de, overseeing strategic positioning and the brand's online and offline marketing. She develops creative campaigns, builds partnerships, and strengthens presence across digital and traditional media. She has been dedicated to cannabis education and destigmatization for years. In her spare time, she's active on Instagram and YouTube and is the creator of the cannabis card game Green Deal.
Published January 21, 2025 · 8 min read
