Cocaine Overtakes Cannabis as France’s Leading Drug Market

Cocaine Now Dominates France’s Drug Market

In a historic first, cocaine has overtaken cannabis as the top illicit drug market in France by value. According to a new report from the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug Trends (OFDT), cocaine generated an estimated €3.1 billion in 2023, surpassing cannabis at €2.7 billion.

This marks a seismic shift in France’s underground economy — and highlights how stimulant use is rapidly transforming the country’s drug landscape.

A Booming Underground Economy

The total value of France’s illegal drug market has soared to an estimated €6.8 billion, nearly three times what it was in 2010 (€2.3 billion). Researchers Christian Ben Lakhdar and Sophie Massin from the University of Lille note that even under conservative estimates, France is facing a massive economic and social challenge.

Breakdown of France’s Drug Market in 2023:

Cocaine: €3.1 billion
Cannabis: €2.7 billion
Other substances (MDMA, amphetamines, etc.): €1 billion combined

Cocaine consumption has seen a 214% increase since 2010, with usage tripling to 47.1 tonnes per year. Meanwhile, cannabis — still the most widely used in volume at nearly 400 tonnes — has levelled off, particularly among younger users.

The Rise of Synthetic Stimulants

Another major trend emerges from the study: the explosive growth of synthetic drugs. Markets for ecstasy/MDMA and amphetamines are expanding at staggering rates.

MDMA market growth since 2010: +637%
Amphetamines market growth since 2010: +470%
Estimated MDMA consumption in 2023: 65.6 million pills

What’s fueling this surge? Two main factors stand out:

Falling Prices: Cocaine prices dropped to €58 per gram in 2024, down from €66 in 2023 — the lowest level in a decade.
Professionalized Trafficking: Dealers are adopting aggressive marketing tactics — “discount deals,” flashy branding, and package designs styled after luxury goods.

These practices reflect a broader commercialization of drug trafficking, blending marketing psychology with organized crime.

Authorities on High Alert

Experts warn that the rise of cocaine and synthetic drugs is overwhelming public services.
According to Dr. Nicolas Prisse, president of MILDECA (the French interministerial body on drugs and addictive behaviors):

“The spectacular rise of the cocaine market is putting immense pressure on law enforcement, justice, healthcare, and local communities. We must strengthen public action on both supply and demand.”

Authorities face a dual challenge: cracking down on evolving criminal networks while bolstering prevention efforts, especially among younger demographics.

A Growing Social and Health Crisis

The surge in cocaine and synthetic drug use comes with severe public health risks — rising addiction rates, mental health issues, and an increase in cocaine-related hospitalizations.

French authorities are increasing efforts to:

Reduce the drug supply through international cooperation
Expand addiction treatment centers
Launch awareness campaigns targeting youth and nightlife scenes

Still, experts caution that without addressing socio-economic factors and availability, demand will continue to rise.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for France

France’s drug market has entered a new era. Cocaine’s dominance signals not only shifting consumption patterns but also a more accessible, aggressive, and globalized drug trade.

As the market expands, balancing repression and prevention will be key to curbing the industry’s growth and protecting vulnerable populations.