The French authorities have decided to introduce a € 200 fine for drug use in the country starting in September, said the country's PM Jean Casteks, speaking in Nice on combating crime. 

Since mid-June, armed skirmishes have taken place between gangs of drug dealers in this city, TASS reported.

The punishment for drug use was previously regulated in France solely based on the 1970 law. It provided for prison sentences of up to 1 year and a fine of € 3,750. The courts have always tried to avoid such harsh measures, preferring to issue an oral warning. This led to impunity for drug users.

The promise to impose reasonable fines on adults emerged in President Emmanuel Macron's election program. In November 2018, the parliament approved the relevant bill, but it has not yet entered into force.

It was decided that if the € 200 fine is not paid within 45 days, it will be increased to € 450.

The main drug used in France is marijuana, accounting for at least 80% of total consumption.