According to the European Union Drugs Agency 2025 report, France has the highest lifetime cannabis usage rate among adults in the EU. Over 50% of French adults report having used cannabis at least once, compared to 43.7% in Spain and 37.6% in Denmark.
When considering recent use, 10.8% of adults in France consumed cannabis in the past year, placing the country just behind Spain (12.6%). Approximately 6.8% of adults reported usage within the past month, highlighting a sizable and active consumer base.
Untapped Market Potential
With a population of 68.5 million, France has a massive cannabis audience. Yet 99.7% of the cannabis market remains unregulated, creating enormous opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics noted in a recent newsletter:
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France’s total potential cannabis market for medical and adult-use products is valued at $8.3 billion
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France ranks among the top three European cannabis markets
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There are an estimated 4.6 million cannabis consumers
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Expanding medical programs for pain, inflammation, and anxiety could reach 300,000–800,000 patients
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Boosting medical access could reduce healthcare expenditures by nearly $1 billion
“There are many opportunities for investment into the French cannabis and wellness markets. As a medical grower or supplier in France, you also gain access to the entire EU market. Entering early could prove highly lucrative,” Whitney said.
Economic and Regulatory Considerations
A study by an advisory board to the French Prime Minister estimated that France spends roughly €570 million annually enforcing cannabis prohibition. The report recommended legalizing adult-use cannabis and establishing a regulated recreational industry.
Economist Emmanuelle Auriol from the Toulouse School of Economics projected that legalization could:
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Create up to 80,000 new jobs
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Generate €2.8 billion in annual tax revenue
These figures underscore the potential economic benefits for both the public and private sectors.
France in the Broader European Context
France’s market opportunities reflect a broader trend across the continent, where nations like Germany, Luxembourg, and Malta are advancing adult-use cannabis reforms. For further context on how European countries are modernizing cannabis policies, see our coverage of Slovenia’s adult-use cannabis policy modernization.
