Farid’s public engagement began through human rights advocacy in Burma (Myanmar). He subsequently focused on public policy concerning addiction, harm reduction, and the regulation of plant-based substances.

Between 1998 and 2008, he was active within the French Green Party, contributing to national discussions on drug regulation and public health policy.

At European level, he served as Chairman of ENCOD from 2004 to 2006, strengthening cross-border coordination among reform networks.

In 2001, he founded Cannabis Sans Frontières. From 2001 to 2018, he organised the Marijuana March in Paris, later rebranded as Cannaparade. This initiative played a role in bringing cannabis policy reform into mainstream political debate in France.

He stood as a candidate in several elections, including:

• European Parliament (2009, 2014)
• French National Assembly (2012, 2017, 2022)
• Regional elections (2015)

These candidacies formed part of a broader strategy to advance regulatory reform through democratic institutions.

Since 2015, he has been active with FAAAT (For Alternative Approaches to Addiction), contributing to work on sustainable development and drug policy. In this capacity, he closely followed the review process of the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (WHO–ECDD) concerning cannabis and cannabis resin.