This article explores the roots of this unfinished transition, analyzes legislative and economic blockages, and questions the lessons learned from international models. Between regulatory advances (such as the free sale of CBD) and political contradictions, He draws up a critical inventory at the dawn of a crucial deadline: that of the Generalization promised for 2025, which could tip the Therapeutic cannabis of the status of pilot experience with that of recognized treatment… Or on the contrary keep it in a provisional that lasts.
Key data to understand the issues:
🔍 12 years of debate since the first discussions in the Assembly (2013).
💊 1,800 patients included in the French protocol, compared to 120,000 patients (2023) in Israel.
⏳ July 31, 2025: Date to rule on the future of the system.
Historical context and current state
Since 2013, France has explored the medical use of cannabis, marked by a debate between health imperatives and regulatory reluctance. In 2018, the supervised experiment launched by the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) allowed 3000 Patients in 2023 to access galenic forms of cannabis [1]. This figure reflects a post-law health acceleration 2021, which legalized therapeutic use under strict conditions [2].
Evolution in 2025
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Experiment extension : Initially scheduled until December 2024, the experiment was extended to the July 31, 2025, with 1,800 patients already included in the protocol [1].
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Regulatory : Despite the initial objective of final legalization in 2025, the lack of dedicated budget and political uncertainties have delayed the transition to ordinary law [8].
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New regulations : The social security financing law (LFSS) of December 2023 provides for a specific status for therapeutic cannabis from the January 1, 2025, but its application remains unanswered [3].
Legislative analysis
Legal framework in France
There Health law 2021 and the Decree n ° 2023-123 supervise the experiment:
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Prescription : Reserved for specialist doctors (neurologists, oncologists) after failure of conventional treatments.
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Authorized forms : Oils, dried flowers (for vaporization), and capsules, with a THC a ratio of 20: 1 cbd.
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Refund : Partial by health insurance, subject to prior agreement [1].
Developments 2025
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CBD and flowers : The sale of CBD flowers (<0.3 % THC) is now authorized in CBDSHOP, marking a progressive opening [5].
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Transitional status : The government is working to generalize the experimentation, but obstacles persist, in particular the lack of funding For non -reimbursed products [8].
International comparison
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Canada (Cannabis Act 2018) : Authorizes recreational and medical use, with unlimited THC for patients [5].
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Israel (national program since 1992) : Pioneer, with 120,000 patients in 2023, wide access (THC up to 20 %), and a flexible framework for doctors [6].
Blockages and issues
ANSM highlights psychiatric risks (Anxiety, dependence) linked to THC, slowing down a liberalization. Pharmaceutical lobbies, such as producers of opioid drugs, also dispute the relevance of cannabinoid alternatives [8]. In 2025, doctors deplored a " legal vagueness "And delays in access to treatments [8].
Testimonials and case studies
Helene Hendricx 52 years old suffering from multiple sclerosis for 28 years:
Annexes
Comparison table France/Canada/Israel
| Country |
Legal status (2025) |
Authorized THC |
Prescription |
| France |
Prolonged experiment |
THC 20: 1 CBD |
Specialists |
| Canada |
Legal (medical/recreational) |
Unlimited |
Doctors |
| Israel |
National program |
Unlimited |
All doctors |
Summary of studies
4. The telegram (2025) : 68 % of patients in experimentation judge cannabis " more efficient than opioids »For chronic pain [8].
Q&A for patients
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"Does the extension of experimentation change the conditions of access? »»
→ ANSM : "No, only patients already included before March 2024 benefit from the extension. No new patient is accepted. »»
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"Is the CBD now available without a prescription?" »»
→ Law 2023-1258 : "CBD flowers (<0.3 % THC) are over -the -counter on cbdtech.fr, but their therapeutic use remains supervised ”
Conclusion
In 2025, France saved between hope and uncertainty: the experimentation continues, but its future depends on a stable legislative framework and public funding. The government announces to work on a " generalization » [8], but patients and doctors demand concrete acts to get out of the legal vagueness.
Additional references (2025)
