France sets new guidelines for medical cannabis

The landscape of medical cannabis in France is undergoing a redefinition. With the conclusion of the experimental phase and the preparation for the official launch of the program in 2025, the French are eager for the new regulation to be effectively implemented. However, a recent update from the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) brought a relevant change, as cannabis flowers will not be part of the program.

Initiated in August 2021, the experience with medical cannabis in France is about to conclude, accepting patient registrations until March 26, 2024. During this period, studies conducted by the ANSM have shown the effectiveness of the treatment in various conditions, maintaining a safe and operational prescription and distribution system.

The ANSM announced that, along with the closure of patient registrations, access to cannabis flowers will also be terminated. Prescribing doctors have been instructed to gradually discontinue treatment with flowers for their patients, without initiating new treatments with this form of the substance.

Although Aurora Cannabis was the only company authorized to provide cannabis flowers during the experimental phase, it was decided not to continue the free supply after the end of the program.

As France moves towards the official implementation of its medical cannabis program, other European countries are adopting diverse approaches to cannabis. Recently, Germany legalized adult use of the plant, becoming the third European country to do so, after Malta and Luxembourg. This move is sparking interest from American cannabis companies, which are seeking to expand their presence in Europe.

As the global landscape of medical cannabis continues to evolve, France and other countries face the challenge of balancing access to cannabis with safety and regulatory issues. Meanwhile, interest and investment in the cannabis industry continue to grow, promising a dynamic future for medicine and the economy.