The debate around cannabis legalisation in France remains a contentious issue, with growing public and political interest. Among the voices opposing this shift is the French Academy of Medicine, which has reinforced its steadfast stance against the legalisation of recreational cannabis. Citing robust evidence from other nations that have adopted legalisation, the Academy highlights significant public health risks and underscores the importance of prevention and education.

Public Health Risks Highlighted by the Academy of Medicine

The Academy of Medicine firmly believes that the legalisation of recreational cannabis poses significant health challenges. It recently released a formal statement affirming its opposition, supported by the latest evidence-based studies.

One of the Academy’s primary concerns lies in the impact of cannabis legalisation on road safety. A pivotal Canadian study, published in 2022 in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlighted alarming figures. After cannabis was legalised in Canada, the proportion of motorists hospitalised after accidents who tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—cannabis’s main active ingredient—doubled. This data paints a worrying picture of the potential risks on French roads if cannabis use is legalised.

Another area of concern is mental health. The Academy cited another Canadian study published in the JAMA Network Open in 2025. This research revealed that cannabis-associated schizophrenia cases among hospitalised patients nearly tripled after legalisation. These findings align with the Academy’s emphasis on prioritising public well-being over recreational freedoms.

The French Academy of Medicine has reiterated that legalising recreational cannabis would be a “serious health error.” In a press release, the Academy emphasised that cannabis use is associated with significant risks, including impaired cognitive function, addiction, and mental health disorders. It also highlighted the lack of sufficient evidence to support claims of cannabis’s safety when used recreationally.

Lessons from Legalisation Elsewhere

Countries like Canada and certain US states have become key testing grounds for understanding the consequences of cannabis legalisation. By assessing their experiences, France has a valuable opportunity to evaluate potential risks before implementing similar laws.

Specifically, Canada’s legalisation has served as a cautionary tale, providing evidence of issues such as increased substance misuse and negative health outcomes. These findings are critical as discussions surrounding cannabis legalisation in France gain momentum. Instead of rushing into premature reforms, the Academy urges policymakers to carefully evaluate these findings to safeguard the nation’s health.

Prevention Over Legalisation

The Academy strongly advocates for maintaining the ban on cannabis use and sale in France. The primary focus must be on educating the public, particularly young people, on the potential risks of cannabis consumption.

Investing in comprehensive prevention programmes that include schools, families, and community outreach could reduce demand. The institution insists that well-executed prevention efforts would achieve better results in reducing cannabis misuse than legalisation would.

Cannabis Legalisation in France and the Political Context

The Academy’s renewed opposition to cannabis legalisation comes at a time of growing political discussion on the topic. Recent proposals have suggested a tightly controlled legalisation framework, but these discussions fail to address the significant health concerns raised by experts. The French Academy of Medicine believes that cautious policymaking informed by existing evidence is crucial to safeguarding the nation’s health.

Instead of adopting measures that echo the mistakes of other nations, France has the opportunity to reinforce its commitment to public health. By rejecting legalisation and strengthening prevention efforts, the country can mitigate the risks associated with cannabis use while fostering greater awareness about its consequences.

Source: bfmtv