France
Page last updated Sept. 8, 2022 by Doug McVay, Editor.
1. Prevalence of Drug Use in France "Cannabis is still by far the most widely used illicit substance, both among teenagers and the adult population, with 17 million people having already tried it (i.e. 41% of 15 to 64 year-olds). The overall proportion of recent users (in the last month) is 6.6%, and regular use (at least 10 times per month) concerns nearly 1.5 million people in France. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2015 National Report (2014 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France" (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2016), p. 31. |
2. Injection Drug Use in the EU "Among first-time clients entering specialised drug treatment in 2021, or most recent year available, with heroin as their primary drug, 19% (down from 38% in 2013) reported injecting as their main route of administration. In this group, levels of injecting vary between countries, from less than 10% in Denmark, Spain, France and Portugal to 60% or more in Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia." European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (2023), European Drug Report 2023: Trends and Developments, last accessed July 9, 2023. |
3. Estimated Number of Users of Psychoactive Substances in Mainland France among 11 to 75 year-olds
l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 36, Table 2-1. |
4. Prevalence of Drug Use Among Students and Youth "The initial results of the recent HBSC, ESPAD and ESCAPAD surveys are consistent in terms of the particular use of cannabis amongst adolescents in France. Cannabis is the most widely consumed illicit product amongst 11-17 year-old adolescents, especially males. In terms of lifetime use, in 2010, the use of cannabis was extremely rare amongst 11 year-olds and concerned 6.4 % of 13 year-olds (representing an increase compared to 2006 figures) and stabilised at 28.0 % amongst 15 year-olds (HBSC). l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 40. |
5. Involvement of Heroin in Overdose Deaths in the EU "The data available have limitations in respect to quality and coverage, however, the information available suggests that heroin was only present in the majority of overdose deaths in a relatively small number of EU countries. A significant share of overdose deaths was reported by Austria (67%), Italy (56%), Ireland (46% in 2017), Poland (44% in 2016) and Romania (43%). In 7 other European countries, heroin was found in approximately a quarter to a third of reported overdose deaths: Portugal (37%), Slovenia (33%), Denmark (36%), France (33% in 2020), Türkiye (32%), Spain (28% in 2020) and Norway (23%). In 2021, in the north of Europe, less than 1 in 6 overdose deaths in Finland, Sweden and in the Baltic countries was reported to involve heroin." European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (2023), European Drug Report 2023: Trends and Developments, last accessed July 9, 2023. |
6. Syringe Service Programs and Opiate Maintenance Treatment In France "In France, as elsewhere, people who inject drugs (PWID) faced a dramatic HIV epidemic in the 1990s. In response, the French government’s harm reduction policy, which first developed programmes for access to sterile injection material in 1987, extended access in 1994 to include syringe vending machines and the sale of ready-to-use injection kits (Steribox) in community pharmacies,1 as well as new state-funded needle exchange programmes (NEP).2 These public health initiatives were concomitant with opiate maintenance treatment (OMT) programmes with methadone (available since 1994) and buprenorphine (available since 1995)3 4 and HAART for HIV-infected individuals.5 HIV prevalence in PWID dramatically decreased from 40% to 20% in 14 years from 1988 to 2002,2 6 with a prevalence in 2011 of 10%.7 An estimated 77% to 85% of opioid-dependent individuals in France are currently treated with OMT." Auriacombe M, Roux P, Briand Madrid L, et al. Impact of drug consumption rooms on risk practices and access to care in people who inject drugs in France: the COSINUS prospective cohort study protocol. BMJ Open 2019;9:e023683. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023683. |
7. Prevalence of Cannabis Use, by Age and Gender "Cannabis is by far the most widely used illicit substance in France. In 2010, among adults aged from 15 to 64 years, around a third (32.1%) admitted to having used cannabis during their lifetime. This experimentation affects more men than women (39.5% compared with 25%). 8.4% of 15-64 year-olds have used cannabis over the last 12 months (11.9% of men and 5.1% of women), whereas the overall proportion of users during the month is 4.6%. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 36-37. |
8. Prevalence of Cocaine Use "Since the beginning of the 1990s, the availability of stimulants, cocaine or other synthetic drugs (ecstasy, amphetamines, etc.), has increased in France. The emergence and the related spread of the freebase form of cocaine 74, crack (whose use is nevertheless rare) occurred during the same decade. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 37-38. |
9. Prevalence of Cocaine Use by Age "The proportion of 15-64 year-olds who have used cocaine at least once has significantly increased three-fold in 15 years, from 1.2% in 1995 to 3.6% in 2010. It increased by a third between the last two Health Barometer surveys. Use in the previous year almost doubled between 2005 and 2010 among 15-64 year-olds, from 0.5% in 2005 to 0.9% in 2010 (Table 2.2), a statistically significant increase. First time use usually takes place at the average age of 23.1 years. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 38. |
10. Alcohol and Tobacco More Damaging "Alcohol and tobacco consumption levels are by far those which cause the most serious extent of damage, either on the health or social level, or with regard to potential dependency." Report to the European Monitoring Center on Drugs and Drug Addiction by the Reitox National Focal Point of France, l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "France Drug Situation 2000" (Paris, France: OFDT and EMCDDA, December 2000), p. 29. |
11. Number and Type of Drug Arrests in France 2011 "The number of drug-related offences has risen sharply over the last 30 years. Almost 90% of all reported drug-related offences in France are related to drug use or possession. The numbers of arrests for drug offences have increased consistently since the 80s. There is no evidence showing whether this evolution is due to an intensification of police activity, an increase in drug use and trafficking or a better performance of the data gathering systems (or other factors) (OCRTIS (Office central pour la répression du trafic illicite des stupéfiants) A paraître). l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 137-138. |
12. Drug Arrests by Substance in France 2011 "Cannabis remains the main substance involved in arrests for drug-related offences, regardless of the grounds for arrest, accounting for 90% of arrests for use and 70% of use-dealing and l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 138. |
13. Transshipment of Drugs "France continues to be a major transshipment point for drugs moving through Europe. Given France‘s shared borders with trafficking conduits such as Spain, Italy, and Belgium, France is a natural distribution point for drugs moving toward North America from Europe and the Middle East. France‘s overseas territories‘ presence in the Caribbean, its proximity to North Africa, and its participation in the Schengen open border system, contribute to its desirability as a transit point for drugs, including drugs originating in South America. France‘s own large domestic market of cannabis users is attractive to traffickers as well. Specifically, in descending order, cannabis/hashish originating in Morocco, cocaine from South America, heroin originating in Afghanistan and transiting through Turkey, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and ecstasy (MDMA) originating in the Netherlands and Germany, all find their way to France." "International Narcotics Control Strategy Report: Volume I Drug and Chemical Control," Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (Washington, DC: United States Department of State, March 2011), p. 250. |
14. Price of Selected Drugs at the Retail Level in France 2011 "Cannabis l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 172-173. |
15. Prevalence of Problem Drug Use in France 2011 "The number of problem drug users estimated at national level varies from 222,000 (multiplier applied to arrest data) to 340,000 (multivariate indicator method), corresponding to a prevalence of 5.5 per thousand and 8.4 per thousand, respectively, depending on the method employed. The multiplier method applied to treatment data gives an intermediate prevalence of 7.5 per thousand. Estimates based on arrest data are lower than the other two estimates, especially for those obtained with the multiplier method, with no cross-checking between confidence intervals. In 2006, the range of values adopted at national level, i.e. 210,000 to 250,000 users, corresponded to the overlap zone of confidence intervals calculated for each estimation method. Adoption of the same principle for the 2011 data led to disgard the multiplier method applied to arrests. The only estimates retained were based on treatment data and the multivariate indicator. A rather large range in values was thus obtained, namely 275,000 to 360,000 problem drug users. The upper and lower prevalence limits associated with these estimates are 7 per thousand and 9 per thousand. This result places France on an upper average ranking in terms of European Union statistics, with prevalences rounding similar levels to that observed in western European countries such as Italy, Spain and the UK, although markedly superior to Portugal and Germany." l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 62. |
16. How France Defines Problem Drug Use "France has recorded national estimates of the number of problem drug users since the mid 1990s. The last estimate produced by the OFDT relates to 2011 data and follows on from earlier estimates in 1995, 1999 and 2006. The definition of problem drug use has, however, changed from one study to the next: in 1995, the inclusion criterion for this category was the use of opiates; in 1999, this criterion was extended to include cocaine. The definition proposed by the EMCDDA in 2004 was adopted for the 2006 and 2011 estimates: the concept of problem drug users includes users (between 15 and 64 years of age) of all drugs administered intravenously or regular users of opiates, cocaine or amphetamines. There is, however, a slight difference between the approach used in France and EMCDDA recommendations. In the studies conducted in 2006 and 2011, all patients who had consumed the aforementioned substances or administered drugs intravenously within 30 days prior to the study were considered to be problem drug users. The use of this inclusion criterion does not, however, indicate whether use has been ongoing for one year – a condition stated in the European protocol. The purpose of this criterion was probably to exclude “occasional” users. In practice, almost all recent users of these substances or of intravenous drugs seen in treatment and harm reduction centres are long-term users." l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 60. |
17. International - France - Data - 12-15-12 (Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in France 2010, by Transmission Method)) "The estimate of the number of new HIV patients since HIV reporting became mandatory in 2003 was 55,168 on 31 December 2010 137. Given reporting delays and under-reporting, in 2010 the number of positive notifications was estimated at 6,265, which is slightly lower than the two preceding years (6,341 in 2009 and 6,340 in 2008). l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 92-93. |
18. Drug-Induced Mortality in France 2009 "Data from the death registry reveal a constant increase in the number of drug-induced deaths from 2003 to 2008, and even until 2009 if we limit the age range to 15-49-year-olds, amongst whom the large majority of cases were due to overdose. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 100. |
19. Estimated Number of Clients Receiving Treatment in France 2008 "We currently have relatively accurate information about the number of people receiving care in the specialist centres. The CSAPAs [National Treatment and Prevention Centre for Substance Abuse] are required to provide the administrative authorities with an annual activity report containing certain information about people received during the previous year (see Appendix IV-P). The response rate for these reports is close to 90% annually and almost 100% over a two-year period. Based on these reports, it is possible to estimate at approximately 96,000 the number of people who were seen in the outpatient CSAPA in 2008128 for their problem with illegal drugs. This includes overlapping, although these should not make up more than 5% of the total. Compared to the outpatient CSAPA, very few people, slightly fewer than 2,000, appear to be accommodated in a residential treatment centre, some of whom are already included in the figures for the outpatient CSAPA. In fact, these centres send a large number of patients to the residential centres where they are then housed. The number of people seen for a problem with illegal drugs in 2008 in prison CSAPAs can be estimated at 5,000. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 81. |
20. Primary Drug Reported by Clients Entering Treatment in France 2011 "In 2011, almost half of new patients (48%) were treated in specialised treatment centres for problems associated with cannabis use. A majority (57%) of them stated using cannabis every day. The percentage of people treated for their cannabis use was much lower among women (35% vs. 51%). The proportion of people using it daily was slightly lower among men, but this difference was not very marked (57% vs. 61%). l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 84-85. |
21. Syringe Exchange and Harm Reduction Activity in France 2008 "In 2010, 135 CAARUDs [Support Centre for the Reduction of Drug-related Harms] existed throughout France. These are medico-social centres funded by the French social security system. They operate in various places with diverse methods. Of these, 95% offer a stationary reception service, 66% have street teams, 47% operate in squats, 40% have mobile teams, 39% work with teams on the party scene and 28% have developed prison activities. They largely contribute to distributing clean injection equipment (3.8 million syringes in 2008) and other prevention equipment (e.g., ancillary injection equipment, condoms). l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 110-111. |
22. International - France - Data - 12-15-12 (Syringe Distribution in France 2008) "From the different information sources, we can estimate that approximately 14 million syringes were sold or distributed to drug users in France in 2008. Comparing this number to the number of IV drug users (81,000 recent IV users) produces a ratio of approximately 170 syringes per user per year (Costes et al. 2009). This figure, which only represents an order of magnitude, may indicate rather high accessibility to syringes in France for IV drug users. The pharmacies play a key role and are involved in over two-thirds of the sale or distribution of syringes. However, a reliable evaluation of requirements together with an analysis of geographical disparities (accessibility of syringes in rural areas in particular) has yet to be carried out. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 112. |
23. Syringe Exchange and Opiate Substitution Treatment (OST) ""Providing assistance in gaining access to OST [Opioid Substitution Treatment] and general care is one of the CAARUD’s [Support Centre for the Reduction of Drug-related Harms] primary missions: l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 111. |
24. Social Costs of Drugs in France "For the last ten years, the Observatoire français des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT, or the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction) has repeatedly worked on estimating the social cost of licit and illicit drugs. The first study (Kopp et al. 1998) dates back to the 1990s and examined the possible calculation methods. The initial estimates were presented in the Kopp and Fénoglio report (Kopp et al. 2000) on Le coût social des drogues (the social cost of drugs). This initial work estimated the annual costs of the illicit drugs to society to be €2,035.24 million. Regular estimates have been carried out since then. There are two reasons for the need to continually re-estimate these figures: the appearance of new data that were initially unavailable (e.g. treatments for certain diseases) and the need to consider new calculation methods. Hence, the 2006 study assessed the social cost of illegal drugs to be €2,824.44 million in 2003 (Kopp et al. 2004). Compared to the 2000 estimate, the social cost of illicit drugs was only multiplied by a factor of approximately 1.39." l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 33. |
25. French National Drug Control Strategy and Budget
"The 2011 national strategies of the governmental policy are set forth by the 2008-2011 government action plan against drugs and drug addiction. The forward-looking 2011 report by the MILDT (Mission interministérielle de lutte contre la drogue et la toxicomanie, or the French Interministerial Mission for the Fight Against Drugs and Drug Addiction) revealed that nearly all of the government’s objectives had been achieved. Furthermore, between 2011 and 2012, three other national plans integrated and reinforced the health measures set forth in the 2008-2011 drugs plan: the 2009-2012 'hepatitis' plan, the 2009-2013 'cancer plan' and the new 2010-2012 'detainee' plan supervised by the French Ministry of Health and Sports with the participation of the French Ministry of Justice. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 6. |
26. Drug Offenses in France and the Principle of Appropriateness of Proceedings "A drug user is an individual who consumes a narcotic substance. The legal authorities often liken the possession of small quantities of narcotics to use. They also equate the cultivation of cannabis to use when the substance is intended for personal consumption. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 12. |
27. French National Strategy Against Drugs "The initial interministerial anti-drug plan dates back to 1983. The 2008-2011 'Government Action Plan Against Drugs and Drug Addiction' includes almost 200 measures for prevention, enforcement, health/social care, research, observation, training and international cooperation. Priority is given to preventing people from taking drugs from the get-go, since the age of first-time use is younger and younger. This targets young people and those close to them (such as parents and educators). l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 18-19. http://www.ofdt.fr/BDD/public… |
28. Legal Framework for Harm Reduction Activities in France "The harm reduction policy for drug users is the responsibility of the government (article L3121-3 of the French Public Health Code modified by the law of 13 August 2004 - art. 71 35). This harm reduction policy seeks to prevent the spread of infection, death by intravenous drug overdose and the social and psychological damage caused by narcotics use. The law of 9 August 2004 36, which established CAARUDs [Support Centre for the Reduction of Drug-related Harms], states that, along with other schemes, CAARUDs should be used to contribute to the harm reduction policy (article L3121-5 of the Public Health Code). CAARUDs are open to both individuals and groups, provide personalised advice and information to drug users, offer support to help drug users obtain access to treatment (which includes assistance with hygiene and access to basic emergency care), make referrals to specialised or general treatment systems, encourage screening for transmissible infections, help users gain access to entitlements, housing and professional integration or rehabilitation, provide equipment to prevent infection, and intervene locally outside the centre to establish contact with users. CAARUDs37 provide social mediation to ensure good integration in their neighbourhood and prevent the public disturbances related to drug use. Their coordination with other organisations has been stipulated in a circular.38" l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), pp. 17-18. |
29. Syringe Exchange and Harm Reduction Policies in France "Since May 198739, the unrestricted sale of syringes has been authorised in retail pharmacies, pharmacies located inside healthcare establishments and establishments that focus exclusively on selling medical, surgical and dental equipment or that have a specialised department for such equipment. Since March 199540, these may be issued free of charge by any non-profit association carrying out AIDS prevention or harm reduction activities among drug users; these associations must meet the French Ministry of Health requirements described in the decree (article D. 3121-27 of the French Public Health Code). Providing syringes and needles to minors is only authorised by prescription (art. D.3121-28 of the French Public Health Code). However, neither pharmacies nor associations are legally bound to ask users to provide their identity or age since the 1987 suspension of the provisions of the 1972 decree. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 18. |
30. Possession and Trafficking "Use or possession of illegal drugs is a criminal offence in France. The law itself does not distinguish between possession for personal use or for trafficking, nor by type of substance. However, the prosecutor will opt for a charge relating to use or traffic that is based on the quantity of the drug found and the context of the case. An offender charged with personal use faces a maximum prison sentence of one year and a fine of up to EUR 3,750, though prosecution may be waived. Alternatives to prosecution may include voluntary payment of a fine or non-remunerated work useful to society. Prosecutors may also prioritise treatment approaches for small-time offenders, both those related to personal drug use or other minor crimes. A circular to prosecutors in 2005 stated that any legal action before the magistrates courts must remain exceptional, but a new circular of 9 May 2008 defined a new ‘rapid and graduated’ policy. Addicts would continue to receive the therapeutic injunction, directing them to treatment. Users in aggravating circumstances, such as drivers or those in educational establishments, as well as recidivists, might be imprisoned. Users in simple cases may receive a caution, but this should usually be accompanied by a request for a compulsory drug awareness course introduced in March 2007, for which the non-addicted offender may have to pay up to EUR 450. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction, Country Overview: France (Lisbon, Portugal: October 2012), last accessed Dec. 15, 2012. |
31. DUI and DUID Laws in France "Law enforcement measures against narcotics use are more severe in certain cases, such as when this use affects road safety. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 15. |
32. Law Enforcement Policies for Narcotics Use Offenses in France "Since the adoption of law 2011-1862 of 13 December 2011 44, the French Code of Penal Procedure has enabled public prosecutors to institute simplified proceedings for narcotics use offences. However, the public prosecutor must ensure that the alleged offences for which an accused is being held in custody are simple and have been established by police investigation, and that, given the minor nature of the offences, it does not seem necessary to order a sentence of imprisonment or a fine of up to €3,750 (fine stipulated in article L.3421-1 of the French Public Health Code). In the event of a simplified procedure, the arrested person may be ordered to pay a fine of up to €1,875 in compliance with article 495-1 of the French Code of Penal Procedure. If the judge presiding over the case deems that imprisonment should be ordered, the judge refers the case to the public prosecutor. l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 20. |
33. Adoption of Alternative Approaches for Drug-Using Offenders "The 16 February 201249 circular established new criminal policy strategies to be adopted by the judicial authorities. While reiterating the need to consider investigative elements that suggest simple use or narcotics addiction and the principle of proportionality with respect to the seriousness of the alleged offence, the February 2012 circular emphasises the need for systematic penal responses and increasingly effective judicial measures. Jurisdictions are encouraged to implement primarily educational measures for initial simple use offences. Examples of these measures include drug awareness training course and health/social strategies for addicted users (drug treatment order). Responses to minors should be limited to educational and health measures. The circular also encourages courts and courts of appeal to develop partnerships with associations to ensure the efficacy of educational and health/social measures." l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 22. |
34. Public Views on Criminalization of Drugs "In polls before 1999, the majority view which appeared to be defined is that prosecutions and legal penalties should be imposed on consumers of heroin and of cocaine (85% in favour), of cannabis (70%) or of alcohol (approx. 50%). However, polling of such opinions is very sensitive to the way in which questions are put: three quarters of interviewees in this way, were not in favour of the idea that drug addicts should be punished. Likewise, if the person and his individual freedom are emphasised rather than the legal aspects of the question of utilisation, then one third of interviewees, as in 1999, will be induced to express their consent for the proposal according to which the prohibition of smoking cannabis is an infringement of the right for free utilisation of one's own body." Report to the European Monitoring Center on Drugs and Drug Addiction by the Reitox National Focal Point of France, l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "France Drug Situation 2000" (Paris, France: OFDT and EMCDDA, December 2000), p. 18. |