"The 16 February 201249 circular established new criminal policy strategies to be adopted by the judicial authorities. While reiterating the need to consider investigative elements that suggest simple use or narcotics addiction and the principle of proportionality with respect to the seriousness of the alleged offence, the February 2012 circular emphasises the need for systematic penal responses and increasingly effective judicial measures. Jurisdictions are encouraged to implement primarily educational measures for initial simple use offences. Examples of these measures include drug awareness training course and health/social strategies for addicted users (drug treatment order). Responses to minors should be limited to educational and health measures. The circular also encourages courts and courts of appeal to develop partnerships with associations to ensure the efficacy of educational and health/social measures."

Source

l'Observatoire francais des drogues et des toxicomanies (OFDT), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: France: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues (Saint-Denis, France: OFDT, 2012), p. 22.
http://www.ofdt.fr/BDD/public…