The future of cannabis legalization in France: Will they follow Germany's lead?

Cannabis consumption in France is notably widespread, as highlighted by recent data from the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies. Their latest survey, targeting adults aged 18 to 64, revealed that 10.6% of respondents had consumed cannabis in the past year. This statistic raises an important question: When will France legalize cannabis for adult use?

In collaboration with the Santé Publique France agency, the same survey found that 47.3% of participants had consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetime. For comparison, approximately 49% of US adults report lifetime cannabis use, and around 12% identify as annual consumers. While the United States continues to make strides in cannabis reform, France seems to be lagging behind. Late last year, France lifted its ban on CBD products, but it seems to be a far cry from the desired progress. Even as Germany moves toward legalization, French leaders are adopting a "wait and see" approach.

Keeping a close eye on Germany

Germany's Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach, is currently lobbying the European Union for approval to introduce an adult-use legalization measure, which would lead to nationwide legal cannabis sales. Lauterbach has received "very good feedback" from the EU and expects a formal introduction of the measure soon.

Countries worldwide, particularly those in Europe, are closely monitoring Germany's actions. The Czech Republic has already expressed its intention to follow Germany's example if the adult-use legalization measure passes. Unfortunately, French leaders seem to be taking a more passive stance.

"France will closely monitor the evolution of the German legislative framework, especially with regard to its potential impact on cross-border regions," said the office of French Health Minister François Braun in a statement to EURACTIV France. These comments do not inspire confidence in France's swift move toward legalization. Rather, they suggest that increased prohibition enforcement may be on the horizon along the France-Germany border.

The public health argument

Germany is playing a crucial role in the push for cannabis legalization across the European continent. The most significant obstacle to widespread adult-use reform is the European Union itself. If Germany can successfully navigate this challenge, it could provide a blueprint for other European countries, including France, to follow.

With the second-highest cannabis consumption rate in Europe, France's consumer base is undeniably vast. Most of the cannabis consumed in France is unregulated, posing significant public health concerns. The introduction of a regulated adult-use industry could largely mitigate these issues.

This argument lies at the heart of Germany's Health Minister's case to the EU – a position France would benefit from supporting. France's Economic, Social, and Environmental Council has also recognised the public health risks associated with unregulated cannabis consumption and recommends legalization. It is crucial for French policymakers to heed this advice and move toward legalization as soon as possible.

France's reluctance: What's holding them back?

Despite compelling arguments for cannabis legalization, French policymakers have been reluctant to follow the lead of other countries moving toward reform. This hesitation can be attributed to several factors, including cultural and political influences, as well as the potential impact on public health and safety.

Cultural and political influences

In France, the political landscape has been historically conservative when it comes to drug policies. The strict stance on drugs is rooted in cultural values that emphasize the importance of public order and traditional norms. As a result, policymakers may be hesitant to pursue cannabis legalization out of concern for the potential disruption to social order.

Public health and safety concerns

French leaders may also be worried about the potential consequences of legalizing cannabis for public health and safety. These concerns include the possibility of increased cannabis use, particularly among young people, as well as the potential for a rise in impaired driving and other drug-related incidents. By adopting a "wait and see" approach, French policymakers can observe the experiences of other countries that have legalized cannabis, such as Germany, and use this information to make informed decisions about their own drug policies.

The role of advocacy and public opinion

For France to move toward cannabis legalization, advocates and public opinion will play a significant role in shaping the debate. As more countries, including Germany, adopt progressive cannabis policies, French citizens and interest groups may increasingly pressure their government to consider similar reforms.

In fact, public support for cannabis legalization in France has been growing in recent years. A 2021 survey conducted by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies found that 49% of respondents were in favor of legalizing cannabis for adult use. This growing support could eventually sway policymakers and contribute to a shift in France's approach to cannabis legislation.

The road ahead: What lies in store for cannabis legalization in France?

As France continues to monitor the progress of cannabis legalization efforts in Germany and other countries, the nation's path toward reform remains uncertain. However, with mounting public support, increased awareness of the public health benefits of a regulated cannabis market, and the potential for economic growth, it's possible that France may eventually reconsider its position on cannabis legalization.

While it remains to be seen when and how France will move forward with cannabis reform, it is clear that the nation's policymakers will need to weigh the benefits and risks carefully. By closely observing the experiences of other countries and taking into account the shifting public opinion, France may eventually join the growing list of nations that have embraced adult-use cannabis legalization.