After years of hesitation and stopgap extensions, France’s medical cannabis landscape is entering a decisive new chapter. On 19 February 2026, Cannabis Europa returns to Paris, convening senior policymakers, healthcare leaders, industry executives, and global investors for a one-day forum examining the future of regulated cannabis in France—at the precise moment policy turns into practice.

For much of the past decade, France’s limited medical cannabis pilot programme has symbolized both potential and paralysis. Repeated extensions stalled meaningful reform. That impasse has now shifted. A new legislative framework establishes a permanent national medical cannabis programme alongside a domestic production industry, signaling real political momentum. The system is expected to be operational by April 2026.

Against this backdrop, Cannabis Europa’s return to the French capital—its first since 2019—arrives as a timely platform to unpack what the transition means for patients, healthcare systems, regulators, and commercial operatorsnavigating one of Europe’s most closely watched markets.

Organised in partnership with UIVEC, a trade organisation representing more than 60 agricultural, pharmaceutical, and economic stakeholders across the hemp extract value chain, the conference places France’s emerging cannabinoid and medical cannabis ecosystem at the center of a critical, solutions-oriented conversation.

First Speakers Revealed

The Paris agenda brings together leaders spanning clinical care, regulation, legal frameworks, and global operations, including:

  • Gérard Mick — Neurologist and Head of Pain Centre, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital / Voiron Site, offering frontline clinical insight into patient access and therapeutic outcomes.
  • Yves Cariou — Market Access & Strategy Consultant, Pharma Price International (PPI), addressing pricing, reimbursement, and sustainable access models.
  • Nadine Berndt — Head of the Luxembourg EUDA Focal Point, Directorate of Health Luxembourg, providing cross-border and EU-level regulatory perspective.
  • Zoé Demange — General Manager, UIVEC, representing the interests and realities of France’s emerging medical cannabis industry.
  • Tyler Robson — President of Cannabis at SNDL, sharing global operational experience from one of North America’s most established cannabis groups.
  • Marie Sanchez — Attorney at Law, NOOA Avocats (Paris), analysing the legal and compliance implications of France’s new framework.
  • Mado Gilanton — President, APAISER S&C, contributing insight from within France’s supply and patient ecosystem.

From Pilot to Policy in Practice

Drawing on comparative lessons from more established medical cannabis markets such as Canada and Switzerland, the programme will explore evidence standards, prescribing pathways, and commercial frameworks required to build a sustainable, patient-centered medical cannabis market in France—and across Europe more broadly.

With early-bird tickets already sold out, General Release tickets remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity is limited at the historic Hôtel de l’Industrie, underscoring the urgency and demand surrounding France’s regulatory shift.

Following Paris, Cannabis Europa will return to London for a two-day conference and expo on 26–27 May 2026, continuing the dialogue shaping Europe’s regulated cannabis future.

About Cannabis Europa

Cannabis Europa is Europe’s premier event platform at the intersection of cannabis policy, healthcare, industry, and investment. Through high-level conferences and strategic dialogue, it brings together decision-makers to define what comes next for regulated cannabis markets across Europe.

For more event information and registration:
https://cannabis-europa.com