Medical cannabis: where are we in France?

In June 2022, France launched a medical cannabis experiment, offering hope to thousands of patients suffering from chronic pain and serious illnesses. However, as 2025 approaches, this initiative seems threatened, causing serious concern among patients and health professionals. While government decisions are still pending, the consequences of a sudden stop could be devastating.

Context of medical cannabis experimentation in France

The experimentation with cannabis for medical use was seen as a major step in the evolution of public health in France. Initiated by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), this initiative had two main objectives:

• Evaluate the clinical effectiveness of cannabis-based products on certain serious pathologies.
• Test the logistical feasibility of controlled distribution.

Intended to last two years, this experiment involved around 3,000 patients for whom traditional treatments had proven ineffective. It represented a glimmer of hope for patients in situations of extreme suffering, such as those suffering from chronic neuropathic pain or spasms due to multiple sclerosis.

However, as the end date approaches, no clear decision has been made to extend or make this program sustainable. If no measures are adopted, access to medical cannabis could be suspended as early as January, leaving many patients without a solution.

The reasons for the blockage

Despite the positive feedback from this experiment, the program faces major blockages, mainly of a political nature. Several factors explain this situation:

• Political indecision : The lack of a firm position from the government is slowing down any initiative to extend the experiment.
• Government transition : Recent changes within the executive have put crucial issues on hold, including that of medical cannabis.
• Lack of priority : Medical cannabis seems relegated to the background, in the shadow of other social and economic issues deemed more urgent.

Recently, the French Society for the Study and Treatment of Pain sounded the alarm. In a statement, she urged decision-makers to act quickly to avoid a legal and logistical vacuum that would deprive patients of life-saving treatment.

Consequences for patients

For patients, stopping the program could be dramatic. Many patients have testified to the benefits they have received from medical cannabis, including a significant reduction in pain and a better quality of life.

Targeted pathologies include:

• Chronic neuropathic pain : often resistant to standard treatments.
• Muscle spasms : especially in patients with multiple sclerosis.
• Severe epileptic syndromes : particularly in children, where traditional treatments sometimes fail.

These patients, often in distress, turn to medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids, whose side effects and addictive potential are well known. Without this treatment, many fear a return to unbearable suffering.

The cry from the heart of associations and health professionals

Many associations and medical groups are pleading for continued access to medical cannabis. The ANSM Medical Cannabis scientific committee has published several reports in favor of extending the experiment, emphasizing the benefits observed and the need to continue the studies.

Forums and open letters were sent to the authorities to raise awareness of the urgency of the situation. The signatories, made up of doctors, patients and researchers, emphasize France's delay compared to other European countries. In Germany, for example, medical cannabis has been integrated into the public health system for several years.

Economic and social issues

In addition to the medical aspects, the development of medical cannabis in France presents considerable economic and social issues.

• Economic issues : The definitive adoption of medical cannabis could stimulate the economy. Pharmaceutical companies would invest in the research and production of cannabis-based medicines, creating jobs and opportunities.
• Social impact : Providing continued access to these treatments would send a strong signal to patients. This would strengthen citizens' trust in the health system and reduce the stigma associated with the medical use of cannabis.

Potential solutions and avenues for reflection

To avoid a sudden interruption of access to medical cannabis, several solutions are possible:

1. Legislative amendment : Include a provision in the Social Security financing law to extend the experiment.
2. Transition phase : Set up a temporary system to guarantee continuity of care while expanding clinical studies.
3. Foreign models : Draw inspiration from the regulations in force in Germany, Canada or Israel to structure the French framework.

These measures require close coordination between patients, health professionals and political decision-makers.

The uncertain future of medical cannabis in France

While the debate remains unresolved, the future of medical cannabis in France remains uncertain. Without rapid action, this progress could be erased, leaving thousands of patients in uncertainty and suffering.

Citizen mobilization, combined with strong political will, could change the situation. Decision-makers must listen to patients' needs and rely on positive data from experimentation. In doing so, France would have the opportunity to position itself as a leader in alternative and innovative medicine.