Cannabidiol is legal in France. In this article, we will review the history of cannabidiol in France and more generally within the EU.

CBD Law 2022

The answer is yes, CBD is legal. In France, as in the rest of the European Union. Although the legislation remained somewhat unclear, particularly since the opening of the cannabidiol market in 2017, the differences between French law and European Union law have become more aligned, and all member states agree that cannabidiol is legal and permissible.

However, a very specific legal framework remains!

The marketing of hemp products not certified by the EU and containing more than 0.3% THC is prohibited.
Burning CBD products is also prohibited. However, other methods of consumption are permitted: vaporization, infusion, topical application, and edibles.

What does the law in Europe say about CBD?

All European countries must apply the law in the same way; this is the rule of all European laws, due to its supranational nature.

CBD legislation is primarily based on a clear distinction between the different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC (and its acidic form, THCA) is a narcotic and is prohibited due to its psychoactive effects. Other cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBG, are permitted because they pose no known health risks.

Press release from November 2020, Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)

"According to the current state of scientific knowledge, which must be taken into account, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as THC), another cannabinoid from hemp, the CBD in question does not appear to have any psychotropic effect or harmful effect on human health.".

CBD legislation in France

On December 30, 2021, MILDECA (Interministerial Mission for the Fight against Drugs and Addictive Behaviors) published a decree announcing the implementation of a new regulatory framework: ensuring the protection of consumers and fighting against drug trafficking, while encouraging the development of the cultivation, industrial production and marketing of hemp extracts.

The cultivation, import, export and industrial and commercial use of hemp are permitted.
The maximum THC level must not exceed 0.3% (0.2% before December 30, 2021).
All parts of hemp can be used for the production of derivative products (only the seeds and stems were included in the previous decree, which prohibited the use of the flowers and leaves).
Only farmers have the right to cultivate hemp, and only certified seeds registered in the official catalogue.
The sale of CBD hemp plants and their propagation by cuttings are prohibited.

The Council of State leaves and CBD from authorized varieties.

So you can buy and consume CBD flowers or hemp infusions

Published in:The Magazine, CBD RegulationsTagged:cannabidiol, cannabis, CBD, France

Daniel

Hello everyone! I'm Daniel from Lord Of CBD. Passionate about cannabis since childhood, I write articles about the world of cannabinoids in France and abroad. With a degree in digital marketing and finance, I bring a fresh perspective to the world of CBD. I joined the lordofcbd.fr team in 2021 as an expert and regular contributor. Thanks to my scientific expertise and clear writing style, I help demystify the various complex aspects of the CBD world, while highlighting its benefits and potential applications through articles and participation in conferences such as the UPCBD. You can find my contributions and interviews in our dedicated articles, as well as in international publications like Challenges.fr, LePoint.fr, and Actu78.fr.