France’s cannabis industry: Ready to unleash its potential?

France's cannabis industry: An untapped giant

As Europe modernizes its cannabis policies, France stands out as a nation with tremendous potential but slow progress.

Home to one of the largest cannabis consumer bases globally, the country has yet to fully embrace the growing market. With a population of nearly 68 million and over 10% of adults reportedly consuming cannabis, the demand for a regulated industry is undeniable.

Despite its large user base, France lags behind other European nations like Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany, which have legalized cannabis for adult use. The country faces increasing pressure to transition from an unregulated to a regulated market, yet timelines for reforms remain unclear, and delays risk diminishing its market potential.

A promising yet delayed medical experiment

France’s hesitancy to fully open its cannabis market extends to its medical cannabis policies. In March 2021, the government launched a small-scale medical cannabis trial involving 2,000–3,000 patients.

The program aimed to gather data for future regulatory frameworks, but it has faced numerous delays, and its conclusion has been pushed to 2025.This trial has been met with high expectations, especially given the size of the medical cannabis market France could cultivate.

While other European countries have already begun establishing their medical cannabis industries, France continues to inch forward, with 2026 now seeming like the earliest realistic date for a nationwide program.

Opportunity cost of further delays

Further postponement in reforming cannabis laws in France comes at a high price. If France fails to act soon, surrounding nations could gain a larger share of the international cannabis market, leaving French businesses at a disadvantage.

There is a real opportunity for France to become a global leader in this sector if it moves quickly, but continued inaction could result in losing out on significant market potential.

While cannabis consumers in France already engage in daily use, albeit illegally, French lawmakers have yet to capitalize on this established demand. A fully regulated industry would not only boost the economy but also create safer options for consumers.

Shifting the landscape

The conversation surrounding cannabis reform in France is ongoing, and industry stakeholders will soon gather at the Science in the City International event in Bordeaux to discuss the latest developments.

This forum represents an important opportunity for medical professionals, business leaders, and policymakers to come together and strategize France's future role in the cannabis market.

Personal perspective

France’s cautious approach toward the cannabis industry may ultimately limit its potential to become a leading player in Europe. With surrounding countries moving forward, time is of the essence if France wants to secure its position in the rapidly expanding cannabis economy.

While progress has been made in the medical sector, the overall pace of reform feels sluggish, and it remains to be seen whether France can catch up with its neighbors before the window of opportunity narrows further.