France is on the brink of launching its formal medical cannabis program, with recent developments from the French National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) highlighting a pivotal change: the exclusion of cannabis flower from the program’s offerings. This shift comes as France’s medical cannabis trial, which started in August 2021, approaches its final phase in 2024, with a deadline for patient applications set for March 26, 2024. The full-fledged program is expected to roll out in 2025.

According to an ANSM update on February 20, the impending closure of patient applications also signals the end of cannabis flower availability. The agency advised healthcare professionals to gradually phase out flower-based treatments and refrain from starting new ones. This guidance aims to ensure a smooth transition into the official program launch in 2025.

So far, the experiment has involved over 3,000 participants, with current treatments ongoing for 1,842 individuals. ANSM’s data from the initial two years suggests that medical cannabis has been effective across all trial indications, showing prolonged efficacy in some patients and a secure prescription and distribution system.

Aurora Cannabis stands as the sole ANSM-approved supplier of cannabis flower for the trial, offering three varieties to meet diverse patient needs. However, the recent French social security financing law, passed on December 26, 2023, continues to authorize medical cannabis use for five years, albeit without flower access, reflecting Aurora’s decision to halt free supply post-experiment.

This abrupt cessation has stirred controversy, particularly among medical professionals like Dr. Nicholas Authier, who criticizes the suddenness of the decision and its potential impact on patient care.

The future inclusion of cannabis flower in the official program remains uncertain, largely due to Aurora’s discontinuation of free product supply. Meanwhile, the broader European landscape is evolving, with Germany recently legalizing adult-use cannabis, allowing possession and home cultivation within specified limits and establishing cannabis social clubs.

As European countries like Malta and Luxembourg pave the way for cannabis legalization, U.S. brands are eyeing expansion opportunities, exemplified by Wana Brands’ partnership with Switzerland’s Alpen Group, signaling a growing interest in the European market.