5a47ee68_n_of_cannabis_for_personal_use_use_in_the_different_countries_Notes
[Country] France As with all drugs, use is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to one year. From 2007 a drug awareness course (stage de sensibilisation) may be ordered, for which the user might have to pay up to 450 Euro if required by the judge or prosecutor. [Legislation] Code de la santé publique Art.L.3421-1; Penal Code Art. 222-37; R 131-35 and on. Ministry of Justice Circular of 9 May 2008 [Level of prosecution] In case of occasional consumers (no problematic drug addicted) and small quantities of illicit substances, the drug awareness course should be the main penal response to inform about the risks and social consequences of drug use, as underlined in the Circular of 9 May 2008. No distinction. But the Circular 2008 underlines the necessity to take into consideration the kind of drug when sentencing. [Notes] 
French law does not officially recognise the motives for possession. But the Circular 2008 underlines the necessity for a systematic and differentiated penal response, taking into consideration the type of drug, consumption (occasional or problematic), supply, family situation, age etc.
EMCDDA | Overviews of legal topics: possession of cannabis for personal use
Notes