Two French national surveys found that about 60-68% of cannabis users purchased from friends, relatives, or dealers, with problematic use and being male associated with buying or growing rather than receiving cannabis for free.
Drug policy researchers, public health officials, legalization advocates
60-68% of French cannabis users buy from friends, relatives, or dealers
What the researchers found
Among both 17-year-olds (n=2,943) and adults (n=1,221), buying from friends, relatives, or dealers was the most common supply method (60% and 68% respectively). Being male and having problematic cannabis use were associated with buying or cultivating. Among teens, being an apprentice and earning money predicted cultivation, while depression predicted buying. Among adults, the 26-34 age group was associated with both buying and growing.
Why it matters
Understanding how people obtain cannabis in countries where it remains illegal provides insight for public health policy and identifies vulnerable populations within supply networks.
The numbers in context
2,943 seventeen-year-olds; 1,221 adults; 60% of teens and 68% of adults bought cannabis; 33% and 24% obtained it free; 5% and 8% cultivated; multinomial logistic regression with weighted data
How the study worked
Analysis of two French national cross-sectional surveys from 2017: ESCAPAD (representative of 17-year-olds) and Health Barometer Survey (representative of ages 18-64). Data were weighted for representativeness with multivariate multinomial logistic regression.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional data from 2017 may not reflect current patterns. Self-reported illegal behavior subject to underreporting. French cannabis market may not generalize to other countries. Does not capture online purchasing.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: two large nationally representative surveys with appropriate statistical methods, but cross-sectional design and self-reported illegal activity.
When this study was published
2026 publication analyzing 2017 French survey data.
The bigger picture
This study provides a snapshot of illegal cannabis supply in a prohibitionist country. As France debates cannabis policy reform, understanding existing supply patterns helps inform what legalization might change.
Questions still open
- Have supply methods changed since 2017 with the rise of online markets? Does the method of obtaining cannabis affect use patterns or health outcomes? Would legalization shift the demographics of who grows cannabis?
Common questions
How do most people in France get cannabis?
What predicts who buys versus gets cannabis for free?
Read the original research
Factors associated with different cannabis supply methods: results from the French 2017 ESCAPAD and Health Barometer surveys.
Journal of cannabis research, 8(1), 19
Citation
Wallez, Solène; Eren, Filiz; Lahaie, Emmanuel; Spilka, Stanislas; Rezag Bara, Selma F; Bayle, Gauthier; Redonnet, Bertrand; Nguyen-Thanh, Viet; Cadwallader, Jean-Sébastien; Mary-Krause, Murielle. (2026). Factors associated with different cannabis supply methods: results from the French 2017 ESCAPAD and Health Barometer surveys.. Journal of cannabis research, 8(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00372-x