Paris, France
Last updated on February 13th, 2026 at 11:10 am
Cannabis Travel Guide
Tolerance for smokers
Table of Contents
Marijuana laws and legislation for Paris
Marijuana laws and legislation for Paris: From 2025, strict cannabis laws will apply in France. Recreational use remains illegal and is punishable by a €200 fine. The government continues to strongly oppose legalization. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasizes the link between drug use and gang violence. Despite calls for reform, such as a national referendum proposed by the mayor of Grenoble, the French government prioritizes drug control and law enforcement over legalization.
Medical cannabis is currently undergoing a trial phase in France, which began in 2021 and has been extended until July 31, 2025. The program, involving approximately 1.800 patients, aims to evaluate cannabis-based treatments for conditions such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and the side effects of chemotherapy. The results of this study could influence future legislation on medical marijuana in France. However, cannabis remains strictly regulated at present, and there are no plans for broader legalization.
Criminal prosecution
Police patrols (by car or on foot) explore various areas and streets but are not aggressive towards tourists. Most of the time they say nothing or look away. However, avoid being too obvious about your presence.
Keep in mind that the police can arrest you for activities related to soft drugs. They might turn a blind eye, but there's a good chance you'll get into trouble. The courts are somewhat more lenient and usually release private users with smaller amounts on a warning.
Of course, the regulations themselves are very strict, but they are almost never enforced in Paris. Don't smoke in public spaces or cars – your car could be stopped by the traffic police, and that smell… Hmm, not good! – but don't panic, the French smoke a lot!
Just don't be obviously stoned or smoking, then everything will be fine.
Our latest report states: “Well, if you have one or two joints of hash, there are no problems as long as you keep it cool. But if you have more than 4 or 5 grams, there is a problem. Just hide it. Remember, they can't check what you have if they haven't seen you smoking it (but the French police are somewhat strict, so stay calm…)”
The law is a bit stricter regarding marijuana, but the French police are nicer (if you get caught with hashish, they'll probably tell you to smoke marijuana instead...)
And another report states: "They don't harass tourists about marijuana unless you do it in such a way that they have to arrest you."
You can smoke freely while walking on the streets of Paris; don't linger in dark places with your hood up, and beware of parks (especially small ones) where the bicycle police sometimes patrol. Otherwise, it's really no problem; they get on our nerves, but we're not in Nevada…
Go to the quay near Notre Dame on Fridays and Saturdays, you might find something, although I doubt it, but if you come with beer or wine, you'll meet cool young people (15-25) hanging out, making music or skateboarding and smoking joints… And if the day's hunting didn't go so well, you might trade the beer for a joint or two!
And furthermore: “Since I’ve lived in Paris, I’ve always been able to smoke on the street without any problems. Especially in the east, in the area from Belleville to Nation (Ménilmontant, Gambetta, Charonne, etc.).”
Where can you buy marijuana in Paris?
Our local reporter reported extensively on the latest headlines: “Go ahead and go to the suburbs… Paris is a huge rip-off if you don’t know anyone or can’t chat with French ‘bros’…”
The situation described in the article on this website is no longer as readily available as portrayed… While a year ago it was easy to get 12 grams of hashish for 25 euros if you looked for it and weren't afraid to haggle, that's no longer possible today. Such quantities are now only found in the suburbs.
1. Pigalle/Blanche, as others have already said: you just have to walk around, and the dealers will ask you for a cigarette for "the family" and then offer you some hashish. Most of them don't sell marijuana, though! But they do sell caramel bars, which cost at most 50 cents in any bakery in France… If you're willing to spend 20 euros on that, go ahead, but I'm not doing it anymore (I've been there several times and never got even a gram of decent hashish…)! So avoid that place!
2. Chatelet / Strasbourg Saint-Denis: The oldest place for hashish sales in Paris (and also for prostitution). If you go there to buy something, you'll most likely get into a conversation with an undercover cop or have your money stolen by a group of Black people… Not good…
3. Try one of the other hotspots in the city, maybe you'll find something... but don't expect a good deal... Also, keep in mind that on Saturday nights and during major events, someone will be selling good hashish in almost any public place, albeit in small quantities (you'll hardly get a gram for 20 euros, but it's decent stuff).
4. If you're feeling adventurous, or fed up with the Parisian con artists and want to try the suburbs, I don't recommend going alone or "just with your girlfriend." Take some French men with you and talk to them, preferably from the suburbs themselves or experienced stoners. If you don't know where to go (the Parisian suburbs are simply HUGE), here's a place where you can buy good to very good hashish (called "summe," and this time, a real hash): Take the RER C towards Étampes and get off at Savigny-sur-Orge. The journey takes 30 minutes and costs a total of 8 euros. Dozens of young people hang around the station. Just ask a few, and you'll find what you're looking for at fair prices. But beware: Only go there in sunshine (they're nowhere to be found in the rain, when it's too cold, or at night) and don't agree to "collect your belongings" with them in their "supposed" apartment or basement: very, very, very, very risky... From simple robbery to kidnapping! If this is suggested, ask for a different public meeting place... Have your cash ready in advance and don't take your passport or other important or valuable items with you, as these could be stolen on the way there or during the transaction!
(March 3, 2009) Our latest reports state: “You can go to Line 9 from Trucadero and get good hashish from Arab groups who like to hang out by the stairs on the side facing the Eiffel Tower. But be careful, there are a lot of scammers there. As soon as you buy the hashish, you should leave, because they like to send people to take it back from you by threatening to call the police and becoming violent. In this case, you should laugh at them and tell them to get lost, because you can also call the police and claim they tried to rob you. The best weed and hashish can be found on Line 2 from Anvers. There, a group of Africans sells bracelets at the entrance to the park. When you get off the metro, go straight up the street to your right. As you walk up this street, there should be a clothing store on your left and a café on your right. Continue to the end of the street. Then it is obvious that it is also a tourist area. Let Just put the bracelet on them, and when they're done, give them 5 euros, even if they ask for more, and ask for weed, marijuana, or hashish. These people are very friendly, and most of them speak English or at least understand a little. They might try to rip you off, but you can usually get two small bags of weed for 50 euros and four for 100. You can always go downstairs, but the weed they sell is very good quality. Amsterdam Skunk. I only took one hit and got high. You know, if they try to rip you off, and they don't force you to stay, you should let them stay for a while. They usually get it in the park. Never give them the money first, only after you've seen it. And be aggressive if you have to, because they don't want to draw attention to themselves and they'll give you a good deal.
Keep it up: One of the best places to find good hashish for a good price is the Montmartre district at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (north of the city). Right at the entrance to the park, on the lower level, you'll see groups of 3-5 Black Africans hanging around. "Officially," they make handmade cotton bracelets as souvenirs for tourists. Unofficially, they might be selling hashish bars.
Comments
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Almost never marijuana. Hashish is very popular. They usually hide their stuff in various places around the park (bushes, under rocks, in trash cans, under benches, etc.) and simply take it for whatever amount you're willing to offer. They might try to scam you on the first call. Give them more money for a smaller amount. But don't hesitate to haggle. You'll almost certainly get away with paying a quarter of the price.
Really, really, really good hashish in Belleville, near Faubourg du Temple and Boulevard Belleville. Good hashish can be had for just a few euros. Weed is the hardest to find, but with a bit of luck you can smoke top-quality Amsterdam orange or ice… the price is really fair. Look in the 10th, 11th, and 20th arrondissements for a positive vibe, relaxed people, and strong weed.
The safest and most reliable way to find soft drugs is to ask a French friend or acquaintance.
Otherwise, try finding young people and asking them. If that doesn't work, you can try the halls or the halls forum and ask one of the dozens of young people hanging around there. Barbers could be an option, but watch your money!
A local reporter observed: “Les Forum des Halles at night. Near the jazz clubs, the Africans are the ones who really stand out. There's a lot of rip-offs going on. You have to expect high prices. I got a quarter ounce of good Moroccan hashish for 50 euros. It came out in a big, thick bar. But it was worth it. Just keep an eye out for the African hashish being offered in the restaurants and cafes.”
And furthermore: “There are many bars on Rue S. Maur (Belleville), and the street is always lively. You can find the best hashish there at fair prices. To find weed, there are usually many dealers on Rue Tolbiac in front of the Sorbonne University. Good weed and fairly low prices. For really good deals, you head out to the suburbs. Reggae events are another great option. The S. Martin Channel is another good choice. There's a lot of smoking going on in Paris.”
And furthermore: “Paris offers many opportunities for potential good purchases. Hashish is ubiquitous and the prices are good. In my opinion, Stalingrad, Boulevard or Rue de Belleville, Charonne, Gambetta (northeast-east); Quai de la Gare, Bel Air, Butte aux Cailles (southeast). Finding weed is more difficult; for good deals, you need to know someone. I smoked optimal weed for 5-6 euros per gram. The quality is generally more than good. In the African or Indian zones, it is most common to smoke hashish or weed. Dreadlocks (there are many Rastafarians in these zones) are always a good sign.”
And: “On Boulevard de Clichy (Metro 2, Blanche station), you only have to walk around a bit, and you'll most likely be approached by a dealer. They congregate there in droves at night, especially on weekends. No problems with the police. It's also ‘safe’ because there are always lots of people around, many tourists. They speak English and charge a hefty price, but the quality is usually good nonetheless. So if you simply need/want something and have no other sources, there's always a place to go.”
Marijuana prices
Currently, you can get a gram of low-quality hashish in Paris for 30 euros or more. It's a rip-off, and there are no good places left in the city to buy it. You absolutely have to know someone (then the prices suddenly become normal again: 1 barette = 30 euros for normal hashish… 12 grams of normal quality currently cost around 50 euros (from 30 in the suburbs to 70 or more in Paris).
The price of weed varies depending on who you're dealing with… So I can't say exactly, but don't buy by the gram if you don't know the person well!
I was in Paris at the end of June 2007. I easily found someone selling hashish for 5 euros per gram in the Trocadéro park opposite the Eiffel Tower.
And furthermore: “They don’t sell by the gram, but by the bar. If you have a trained eye, measure it yourself; don’t trust them (sometimes they say 15g, but it’s only 12). Bars of hashish usually contain 12–20 grams. Good bars of hashish can be found in Montmartre (Lower Sacré-Cœur Park) for €35–50 per 12–15g bar. The quality is generally more than acceptable.”
For 30 euros, if you know a few French people (it can be 30 to 50 euros, depending on the quality and the honesty of the dealer), for 12 grams of hashish, but the weed can cost between 50 and 90 euros for 12 grams.”
A recently received report reads: “Hello, I am French and live in Paris. I just wanted to comment on what you wrote: 10 grams is called a ‘Barette’; actually, there are ‘Barettes’ for €10, €20, €30…”
Here's how we cut it: 200g = 4 x 50g = 8 x 25g = 16 x 12g. If you find the right dealer, you can make two "Barettes" for €30 with 12g, then three Barettes for €10, for example.
NOTE: I'm talking about hashish. Keep in mind that marijuana can be different, and prices can vary. It depends on the quality of the hashish and the people you're buying from. NOTE 2: In France, we call hashish "shit".
And another reporter added: “5 grams of hashish for €20
5 g x 40 € Grass"
And furthermore: “La Boule: €30 Ziplocks, normally you get 5–6 g of hashish or 4–5 g of herb. They don't sell soap bars there, they have a good reputation to uphold. You can buy 4 or 5 at a time if you like.”
Further information
HEALTH NOTICE!! (Important)
DO NOT BUY WEED FROM STREET VENDORS! Only buy from people you trust or who grow weed! Even if you've met the person several times, don't buy weed by weight. If they offer you that and you're not even remotely friends with them, it's a bad sign. It's better to decline. You'll understand in a moment:
There's actually a reason why there's almost no marijuana in France and only hashish! Marijuana is rather unpopular among casual smokers because since 2006 there have been countless reports and news articles (even on television) about marijuana laced with shards of glass, sand, neon powder, or other heavy metals like mercury. This prompted the authorities to tighten their anti-drug policies due to the associated health risks. These risks are VERY high:
When inhaled at high temperatures (from the joint's flame), glass shards and sand become permanently lodged in the lungs, damaging this organ. If you continue smoking despite your doubts, you may bleed and cough, or worse, your lungs may be perforated or filled with sand. This can eventually lead to foreign objects in your organs that your body cannot break down naturally, as these minerals cannot be destroyed.
At best, it stays in your body for life; at worst, you end up in the hospital and have to recover for five years (however, modern medications in France can effectively cure you, and you don't have to worry about legal consequences, except perhaps the police questioning you about your dealer: Don't hesitate for a second to give them their name and all the information you need so they can kick their criminal asses! These guys are murderers, not dealers, so have absolutely no respect for them, even if you know them well! Besides, the police would be even less respectful than they are today if these guys didn't exist, so... do your duty as a citizen AND as a pot smoker and make the world a safer place for all of us. If this happens to you by going to the police, you won't end up in jail or have to pay fines or anything like that, but will be the victim of an attempted poisoning, which is punishable by 30 years in prison up to life! The French nation as a whole will thank you! If you are European, you can also use the European Health Insurance Card. (You will receive partial reimbursement for your hospital costs and the cost of repatriation by plane or ambulance!), and during this time you are prohibited from smoking!! So, don't be fooled… The marijuana in question was sold as White Widow or other “chemical” or “imported” marijuana from the Netherlands due to the manufacturing method: The substances are sprayed onto the plant to mimic the small THC crystals and increase its weight, thus making it more profitable to sell…
Mercury is a well-known poison that can be deadly; this one is rarer and relatively new…
The “contaminated areas” include Paris, Nantes, Lille, and Lyon (according to official sources), and rumor has it that all major cities are involved in this trade… In the countryside or small towns, however, you can buy weed from locals without worry, as they grow it themselves in their gardens and wouldn't do such a thing… Plus, you can get a huge bag of the best weed for 50 euros! (Check out Montpellier for something like that.)
Enjoy the good vibes after a joint on the Parisian terraces by the Saint-Martin Canal (apparently you can buy stuff there too, but I've never seen or made an offer, and I live only 5 minutes away) and go to one of the many reggae/dancehall parties on a boat on the Seine (hot!! + good stuff sold there by club dealers)...
Country: France
Time zone: GMT/UTC +1
Telephone area code: +33-1
Editor's Restaurant Recommendation: 2 places you absolutely must visit when you're in Paris and high!
1 – Brasserie “Chez Denise”, 5, rue des Prouvaires, 95001, Paris – This is a classic Parisian bistro that stays open late into the night, perhaps even 24 hours – you'd have to check beforehand. The food, however, is excellent, straightforward, and served in large, healthy portions. The atmosphere is friendly and chatty, with tables close together. Don't be intimidated by the locals who will stare at you and your friends – it's perfectly normal. So, enjoy the simple yet delicious menu at any time of day! A true CLASSIC!
2 – “Pershing Hall”, 49, rue Pierre Charron, 75008 Paris – This is the renowned modern restaurant of the Pershing Hall Hotel. With its spacious layout, lighting, and wonderful atmosphere, it's definitely a hotspot you shouldn't miss. It's a popular meeting place for drinks or a leisurely dinner every year. With a diverse and varied menu – from food and wine to cocktails – Pershing Hall promises an unforgettable evening!
City history:
Paris, one of the world's most fashionable cities, is known for its decadence. Whether it's a sumptuous meal or a selection of legendary wines, this picturesque capital city of 13 million inhabitants has always offered its visitors countless opportunities for indulgence. And enjoying a strong joint is no exception.
William Butler Yeats is said to have smoked hashish during a visit to Paris in the spring of 1898. Jim Morrison certainly enjoyed a few joints before he died here in 1971. Despite a government attempting to curb even the use of soft drugs, the French zest for life remains undiminished. "Most people of our generation use marijuana regularly," said Emmanuelle, a 27-year-old Frenchwoman. In France's wine region, high-quality marijuana is reportedly cultivated alongside the grapes used to make the famous wine. It's not uncommon to catch a whiff of burning marijuana on the streets of Paris.
“On our day off, Sunday, since none of us had family in Paris, we met at the local Algerian café, where we ate couscous all day, drank Algerian wine, listened to Algerian Rai music and smoked the best Moroccan hashish,” remarked an Australian named RV.
A gram of low-quality Moroccan weed can cost as little as five francs – less than one US dollar – while one anonymous user claimed to have found “high-quality Amsterdam Skunk or Northern Lights” for about 10 euros per gram.
Hashish costs on average between 5 and 6 euros per gram.
Emmanuelle explained that her compatriots refer to hashish as "shit" and that the French call 10 grams a "barette" and 100 grams a "savonnette" when buying it. "Normally in France, you roll a joint from a mixture of tobacco and hashish directly from a small brick, using a bus ticket as a filter so the cigarette is easier to handle and smoke to the last bit," said a visitor named Blinkin. He added that his French companions had made a cigar-sized joint from "realistically pure hashish."
The safest and most reliable way to find soft drugs in such a large city is to ask a French friend or acquaintance. Otherwise, Paris offers countless nightclubs, from huge dance clubs to shady bars. Montmartre and Pigalle are well-known red-light districts where you're likely to find people willing to offer their services for a fee.
The French government, however, has gone to great lengths to make life difficult for smokers. President Jacques Chirac maintains a hard line against all drugs, and the government has even gone so far as to suppress public statements advocating the use of soft drugs. French law restricts freedom of expression by prohibiting any “positive portrayal of narcotics.” The Parisian cannabis culture magazine “L’Elephant Rose” was forced to close when its editor, Gerard Jubert, was charged with “incitement to the use of cannabis substances,” a violation of the country’s health law. A Paris court handed down an 18-month suspended sentence and a fine of 300.000 francs ($40.500). Jean-Pierre Galland – a leading marijuana advocate who has campaigned for legalization in France for years – received a suspended sentence and a fine for “positive portrayal” of marijuana through his organization Collectif d'Information et de Recherche Cannabique (Collective for Information and Research on Cannabis). He has also accumulated thousands of dollars in fines for organizing the annual “18 Joint” marijuana rally in Paris on June 18.
“French law does not distinguish between hard and soft drugs,” according to the marijuana advocacy group NORML. “Theoretically, any drug use is a crime punishable by imprisonment of two months to one year and a fine of €56 to €1680.” NORML reports, however, that sentencing is “flexible.” “In most cases involving small amounts of drugs, French courts may issue a warning or order compulsory treatment instead of prosecution,” NORML states. The organization cautions, however, that any possession or trafficking is punishable by imprisonment of between two and ten years, although most cases of possession of small amounts for personal use are downgraded to mere drug use.
“The use of all drugs is illegal in France, but that doesn’t mean you’ll languish in prison if you take them,” said Michel Bouchet, head of the French Interior Ministry’s anti-drug commission. Although French Health Minister Bernard Kouchner opposed decriminalization, he offered a glimmer of hope by stating he would not reject measures allowing smokers to consume drugs privately at home. However, the government’s official stance remains hard on all drugs. “I don’t believe there are ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ drugs,” Bouchet said. “It’s difficult to allow ‘soft’ use of hard drugs, and it’s certain that ‘hard’ use of soft drugs exists.”
Given the stance of the French authorities, an American advised his fellow travelers to exercise caution. "I would advise you all to have a great time in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany," said Californian Jim Lohse. "But in countries like France, in my opinion, it's simply not worth the risk. Just drink more beer, or in Paris, more wine."