Whether or not marijuana is legal in France is a question that is on the minds of many. While cannabis has long been an integral part of French culture, it was also a factor in the country’s history as a symptom of imperialism. It is now legal to grow marijuana in France, but only for medical purposes.
Growing Cannabis In France Is Illegal
Despite the increasing popularity of hemp, growing cannabis in France is still illegal. A criminal offense, growing cannabis in France can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Although some European countries have started allowing the import of recreational cannabis, France is still against it. France has one of the largest hemp seed and fiber markets in Europe. This is in large part due to the country’s climate and terrain.
French cannabis legislation imposes monetary fines on anyone found in possession of cannabis. These can be up to EUR 3,000 or more. They can also be doubled for anyone selling cannabis to a minor.
Trafficking of cannabis is also a crime and can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years. In addition, anyone found to be trafficking cannabis for a commercial purpose will receive a fine of up to EUR7 million.
A criminal investigation into cannabis trafficking is conducted by the French Gendarmes. The cannabis merchandise is then destroyed.
Medical Cannabis Is Legal
Medicinal cannabis is legal in France, thanks to a decree issued by the government. This will allow the country to create an industry that is based on a medically-certified supply chain. It will also permit the growing of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The decree paves the way for the first medical cannabis trial in France. The trials will begin in March of 2021. Patients suffering from a range of severe medical conditions will be treated with medicinal cannabis products. These patients will receive cannabis products free of charge.
France’s medical cannabis program will be evaluated by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products. It is expected to report on the feasibility of therapeutic cannabis in late 2019.
A two-year medical cannabis experiment will be conducted in France. Approximately 3,000 patients will participate in the trial, each suffering from a range of severe medical conditions. They must have failed to respond to other treatments. The program will be conducted by 170 hospitals and health professionals.
Cannabis Was A Symptom Of Imperialism
Despite being one of the world’s largest countries, France has never been the most cannabis-friendly country in the world. That is, at least when it comes to the consumption of the plant. The most notable exception to this rule was a time when Napoleon and his cronies were at the top of their game. Luckily, the French were not the only ones who noticed. As such, the country is one of the largest producers of the plant in the European Union.
As such, the country has recently launched a new initiative to legalize the thorny red. The plan is to introduce a regulatory framework to control the proliferation of the plant in an effort to curtail the scourge of the ilk. One way to do this is to ban the cultivation of cannabis and thereby reduce the risk of the plant being used for illicit purposes. The industry is estimated to be worth 5.1 billion euros in 2020.
Cannabis Was A Huge Part Of French Culture
Throughout the nineteenth century, cannabis was a huge part of French culture. It was smoked, consumed, and used in many intoxicating drinks. Cannabis was a major ingredient in many medicinal products. It became a popular part of the hippie counterculture movement in the 1960s.
Cannabis was banned for medical use in France in 1953. It was also a criminal offense to grow, distribute, or possess cannabis in France. Currently, it is illegal for anyone to grow or possess more than 100 grams of cannabis. This can lead to a fine of up to EUR3750 or a one-year prison sentence.
In recent years, the government has relaxed some cannabis laws. This led to the legal sale of cannabis products with less than 0.2% THC. In addition, some products are now allowed for medicinal use. Despite these changes, French laws remain restrictive.
The country has a strong hemp industry. In addition, it is a major producer of cannabis. Some estimates suggest that France consumes more cannabis than any other European country. In 2018, France seized a record amount of cannabis.
