Cannabis License Info

Updated: August 2022

In France, the use of marijuana for medical purposes is legal on a restricted basis. Recreational marijuana, also commonly referred to as “adult use” cannabis to distinguish it from medical marijuana, is not legal in France.

Historically, France has had a complicated relationship with cannabis. But in 2014, France’s Ministry of Solidarity and Health approved the use of a cannabinoid mouth spray called Sativex. However, doctors can only prescribe this medication to patients with multiple sclerosis and severe muscle spasms.

In March 2021, France launched an experimental medical cannabis program to determine the plant’s efficacy. Around 3,000 patients with debilitating conditions are currently participating in this two-year program supervised by France’s Agency for the Safety of Health Products (ANSM).

As of March 1, 2022, the French government issued a decree that allows the cultivation, manufacture, transport, import, export, and possession of cannabis to maintain the supply for its medical pilot program. Despite this promising legislation, it is unknown when France will officially develop a medical cannabis industry.

Below you will find information regarding France’s medical cannabis licenses. We keep this page up-to-date when new information becomes available. Please note that this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

General Definitions

Dispensaries Cultivators Manufacturers

Dispensaries sell cannabis and cannabis products in a legal, regulated setting.

What kind of point-of-sale do I need to operate a Dispensary?

Most states require dispensaries to track and trace all of their cannabis-related products for regulatory and compliance reporting requirements. Our Dispensary Point of Sale and inventory management system provides comprehensive seed-to-sale cannabis tracking with a focus on compliant data points.  If your state requires seed-to-sale systems to stay compliant, BioTrack has you covered.

Cultivators, also commonly referred to as growers or producers, are responsible for growing cannabis. Once harvested, mature plants are transferred to manufacturers.

What kind of tracking system do I need to operate a Cultivation Facility?

Most states require an extensive seed-to-sale cannabis tracking system to monitor cultivation efforts and inventory.  Our cultivation seed-to-sale-tracking solution provides comprehensive data tracking with an emphasis on compliance.  BioTrack also features an all-in-one business tool to help you operate every aspect of the cultivation business by itself, or as part of the vertically-integrated cannabis business.

Manufacturers—also known as processors—take harvested cannabis from cultivators and create derivative extracts for edibles, concentrates, topicals, and prepacks. Once finished, their products are transported to dispensaries.

What kind of tracking system do I need to operate a Manufacturing Facility?

Most states require an extensive seed-to-sale cannabis tracking system to monitor cultivation efforts and inventory.  Our processing seed-to-sale-tracking solution provides comprehensive data tracking with an emphasis on compliance.  BioTrack also features an all-in-one business tool to help you operate every aspect of the cultivation business by itself, or as part of the vertically-integrated cannabis business.

France’s Licenses

License Information

France is not currently accepting cannabis business license applications.

Why BioTrack