What to know about weed in Paris as a Tourist

Where to obtain marijuana (weed) in Paris as a tourist in 2026. The capital of France, Paris, is a significant European metropolis and a global hub for culture, fashion, art, and cuisine.

Find the complete, accurate guide to cannabis (weed) in Paris, France in 2026 which covers legal status, penalties, medical availability, hazards, and real-world context for visitors or residents.

Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in Paris?

No, recreational marijuana (THC cannabis) is prohibited in Paris in 2026 and all of France.
Cannabis purchases, sales, possessions, and recreational use are all illegal.

Under French law, it is still illegal to possess, use, transport, or sell cannabis that contains psychoactive THC.

Penalties and Enforcement

 Typical Violations

• Small amounts (personal use) — typically dealt with by a fixed fine of €200 on the spot; reduced to €150 if paid quickly, or up to €450 if overdue.
• Larger sums, recurring violations, trafficking, or distribution may lead to harsher penalties and criminal prosecution, which may include jail time.
• Growing or selling drugs is prohibited and considered a serious crime with the potential for lengthy prison sentences and fines of millions of dollars.
• Public consumption is likewise prohibited; police have the authority to impose penalties and seize the drug.

Under the law, locals and visitors are treated equally.

France’s Medical Cannabis Situation (2026)

Medical cannabis initiatives have been tested in France, although the system is still quite limited and developing:

Prior to April 2026

• A small number of patients with certain critical diseases (such as intractable epilepsy, neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis, and cancer symptoms) were granted access to a pilot medical cannabis program that began in 2021 under stringent guidelines.
• Only patients who were enrolled through approved French health centers were permitted to take part in this initiative; tourists were not permitted access.

In 2026

• The permanent, pharmaceutical-regulated medical cannabis framework in France is scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2026, replacing the current pilot program. It permits the production and distribution of cannabis-based medications through authorized channels with stringent prescriptions.
• Prescriptions are strictly regulated, and products must adhere to pharmaceutical standards.
• Despite these advancements, medical cannabis still requires a formal prescription process through French health care authorities and is not available to foreigners.

Important notice: Not all types of cannabis are available, and raw smoking is not allowed for medical purposes.

CBD (Cannabidiol) Products: Permitted Under Certain Requirements

If CBD products fully adhere to THC restrictions and labeling regulations, they are legal in France.

• < 0.3% total THC (recently harmonized with EU limits) must be present.
• Oils, capsules, foods, cosmetics, and some hemp flowers are frequently offered.
• Smoking raw CBD flower is still illegal, and if authorities find THC traces, it may be classed as illicit cannabis.

💡 CBD products are sold in Parisian pharmacies, health stores, and shops, but they need to be appropriately labeled and compliant.

What People Do “Unofficially” in Paris (Not Legal)

Despite the law, there is an unregulated market where cannabis is obtained through informal means such as:

• Street dealers in areas with nightlife (e.g., Pigalle, Canal Saint-Martin, Gare du Nord) — illegal and risky.

• Contacts via social media or messaging apps (telegram) — also illegal and unreliable.

⚠️ Buying or using illegal cannabis exposes you to legal risk — police may fine or prosecute you.

Practical Tips for Paris Tourists

✔ If you want to avoid trouble:

• Do not attempt to buy or use THC cannabis. It’s illegal, with real penalties.

• Use legal CBD products from licensed shops if you want a cannabis-related experience without THC.

• Carry proof of compliance (labels, certificates) for CBD to avoid confusion.

✔ If you’re interested in medical access:

• Understand that French medical cannabis is tightly controlled and not open to visitors.

Summary: Cannabis in Paris (2026)