http://thestonedsociety.com/2014/02/02/first-ever-marijuana-legalization-bill-introduced-france/ By Barry Bard on\t\t\t \t\t\t\tJune 8, 2013 \t\t \t\tInternational News, Law & Politics, Marijuana News \t\t\t \tSi, Ce'st Bon (This is Good) France, known for its harsh and conservative cannabis policy, appears poised to legalize marijuana for medical use. While the Minister of Social Affairs still needs to sign off on the law, it appears imminent to send shockwaves–and hopefully illicit copycat countries–throughout Europe. Here's the interpretation of the French bill by Sensi Seeds: Today, Friday 7th of June 2013, Decree n 2013-473 of June 5th 2013 was published, modifying the dispositions of article R. 5132-86 of the Public Health Code related to the prohibition of operations linked to cannabis and its derivatives. Basically, article R. 5132-86 prohibited all non-industrial use of the cannabis plant. Exemptions to this needed to be granted by the General Director of the National Security Agency for Medicines and Health Products, which vary rarely happened. The implementation of the law is left as the responsibility of the Minister of Social Affairs and Health Marisol Touraine, who will be ratifying the decree in the coming weeks. It is therefore not yet possible to determine the exact consequences of this decree for French patients who could enjoy the benefits of therapeutic cannabis. Vigilance is however required, due to the mention of necessary authorisation before bringing a (cannabis) product onto the market so as not to be in violation of the law. This clause suggests that it will be difficult for organizations and patients themselves to produce their own medicinal cannabis despite the low costs related to its cultivation and processing. It is above all a huge step forward for French patients already using cannabis to relieve the symptoms linked to their illnesses: to witness their drug of choice finally become legal in the eyes of the government. [Sensi Seeds] Le Champs-Elyess will not be turning into Venice Boulevard anytime soon, but safe access for seriously ill patients looks like it's en route. And to that, we can toast one to “Viva Le France.†http://www.marijuana.com/blog/news/2013/06/france-set-to-legalize-medical-marijuana/