For Medicinal Reasons in Chamonix

i will be in town for 5 days in March...in the USA i hold a medical marijuana prescription for a back ailment. since i will be active in Chamonix i am worried about not having the medication i need. i understand many countries dont have the same laws that we have here in America but i am curious what the availability may be in Chamonix and the ramifications i may face. i appreciate any insight into a solution to my medical condition.

Not that I am any expert by any means on this but I would have thought that if you had a doctor's note with it (written in French) it may be acceptable. Is there anything on the French Embassy website you could check, or a Customs website?

I had DVT a couple of years ago and now have to travel with a collection of heparin syringes, so I am a right junkie if I go long haul, but I always have an accompanying letter with me. Only problem so far was at Hong Kong where I got questioned, but other than that it has worked fine.

Am sure someone on here will know of a website you could check.

I would think that your best approach would be to the French Consulate locally (USA) for advice.

To the best of my knowledge France, like UK, does not have such a thing as medicinal canabis and hence any stocks you carry would be considered a "drug" (the naughty type) and you would be risking real problems as a potential drug smuggler!!

I really wouldn't risk carrying any unless you have been given clear advice by French officials that this is OK and how to carry this so that customs etc don't get cross with you.

Good luck.

I am with Old (and wise) Andy on this! Best to check BEFORE, you want to stay in a ski resort not a Police cell!

i appreciate the candor everyone. i wonder if i may be better suited to simply ask locals in the pubs about something to suffice while i am in town? i hate to feel or do anything criminal to address my condition but here in America i need not feel that way. any thoughts on if that plan makes any sense?

Wouldn't it be easier to buy some painkillers from a pharmacy in Chamonix?

Drug pushing, or buying from, is considered a big no-no in most parts of the world, esp. Europe - and the penalties are big! I would go for the painkillers, easy to buy from a Pharmacy and won't get you or anyone else in trouble!

The world is a different place once you step outside your own countries!

based on my medical history most "pain killers" are very hazardous to my health and i cant take them, hence the medicinal card. thanks for the suggestions though.