No, Salvia divinorum is not explicitly banned in France, but its active compound, salvinorin A, is controlled under the 2007 decree regulating psychoactive substances, effectively prohibiting its sale, possession, or use. The Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament (ANSM) classifies it as a narcotic-like substance, aligning with EU monitoring trends. Recent 2026 compliance updates reinforce enforcement against online distribution.
Key Regulations for Salvia Divinorum in France
- Narcotic Classification: Salvinorin A is listed under the Arrêté du 22 février 2007 as a prohibited psychoactive substance, mirroring controls on synthetic cannabinoids.
- Enforcement Focus: Local prefectures and customs (Douanes Françaises) prioritize interdiction of imports, with seizures reported in 2025–2026 at major ports like Marseille and Le Havre.
- Retail Restrictions: Physical and digital sales are criminalized under Article L. 3421-1 du Code de la santé publique, with penalties up to 1 year imprisonment and €7,500 fines for violations.
Courts have upheld convictions for possession, citing “substantial risk” to public health, despite the plant’s natural origin. Healthcare providers must report adverse effects to the Centre d’Évaluation et d’Information sur la Pharmacodépendance (CEIP).