In a groundbreaking move, the French government has officially advanced plans for a medical cannabis program, marking a significant shift in drug policy within the country. Just last month, patients were bracing for the end of the 4-year pilot period and the need to seek alternative remedies.

The government had recently instructed the 1,600 participants in the French medical cannabis experiment, which began in 2021, to seek alternative treatments as they prepared to wean themselves off medical cannabis. After years of debate and advocacy from patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers who have long recognized the therapeutic potential of cannabis for various medical conditions, the French parliament has finally come to a decision.

The proposal for France’s medical marijuana program has been announced. Documents outlining France’s proposed medical cannabis program have been sent to the EU and are pending approval. The newly proposed law authorizes the manufacturing, distribution, and prescription of medicinal cannabis products in compliance with rigorous standards.

Conditions Eligible For French Medical Cannabis

Training programs will be established in consultation with the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) under the new standardized medical cannabis framework, which will exclusively permit physicians who are trained and certified to prescribe medical cannabis.

Cannabis will remain a last-resort treatment; patients must show they have failed or are intolerant of all other standard therapies. In addition, healthcare providers will be obligated to complete specialized training in order to prescribe medical cannabis adequately.

Medical cannabis prescriptions will only be allowed for these conditions: neuropathic pain, drug-resistant epilepsy, spasticity from multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system disorders, relief from chemotherapy side effects, and ongoing palliative care for severe symptoms.

Products Offered Under France’s Medical Cannabis Program

A range of products will be offered under the French medical cannabis program, allowing users to choose the most suitable method of administration for their condition. Both oral and sublingual forms of medical cannabis will be available, as well as options for vaporization and topical application for targeted relief.

Cannabis flower will be available for patients, however, with strict limitations. Patients will be prohibited from consuming via traditional methods such as joints, pipes, or bongs. Instead, medical cannabis patients in France will be limited to just CE-certified dry herb vaporizers, such as the Mighty Medic by Storz & Bickel.

This variety aims to provide patients with options that best suit their individual needs and preferences while ensuring effective symptom relief.

Pilot Program Patients Will Still Receive Cannabis Into 2026

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has announced that patients currently enrolled in the ongoing medical cannabis experiment will continue to have access to their medication until at least March 31, 2026. By this time, it is anticipated that the French medical cannabis program will be officially established and fully operational, providing patients with a range of treatment options. This transitional period will allow for a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework, ensuring continuity of care for those who rely on medical cannabis for symptom management.

France Takes a Step Towards Legalizing Medical Marijuana 

After years of delays and setbacks, France finally unveiled its full medical cannabis blueprint. France’s acceptance of medical cannabis as a proven treatment option is expected to have a ripple effect throughout Europe, potentially paving the way for more countries to embrace medical cannabis as a legitimate form of treatment.

The legalization of medical cannabis in France represents a significant step forward in providing alternative treatment options for patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other qualifying conditions. Research studies have shown that cannabinoids found in cannabis can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, inflammation, nausea, and muscle spasms. With proper oversight and regulation, medical cannabis has the potential to improve the quality of life for many individuals who have not found relief with traditional medications.

As France joins other European countries in embracing medical cannabis as a legitimate form of treatment, it opens up new possibilities for research and innovation in the field of cannabinoid-based therapies. By establishing a legal framework that prioritizes patient safety and therapeutic efficacy, France is poised to become a leader in advancing medical cannabis research and practice. The future looks promising as more patients gain access to this potentially life-changing form of medicine under controlled conditions.