Cannabidiol law

Before January 2022, it was illegal to sell or possess CBD flowers in France. However, the law on cannabidiol changed and CBD is now legal in mainland France under certain conditions. France is the first country in Europe to cultivate hemp, and the CBD market is currently on the rise thanks to the therapeutic properties attributed to cannabidiol. In this article, we examine CBD law so that you know exactly which rules apply and can consume cannabidiol completely safely!

The law on cannabidiol in France since 2022

On 24^th January 2022, the Council of State (Conseil d’État) decided to suspend the Code of Public Health decree on the prohibition of the sale of cannabis leaves and flowers. The law on cannabidiol authorises the sale and purchase of leaves and flowers in their raw state, as long as they don’t have narcotic properties. The extraction of active compounds (terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids) from seeds, stems, leaves, and flowers is also authorised. These parts of the hemp plant contain a negligible amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD’s cousin). CBD is legal as long as the cannabis plant used contains less than 0.3% THC. The sale of cannabidiol to under 18s is prohibited, as a precaution. The rules related to the cultivation or production of legal cannabis remain the same. Only approved producers and professional hemp growers can cultivate these pants legally. Additionally, cultivation is only authorised for varieties registered in the official catalogue of French legislation.

What dis the law on CBD say before 2022?

The law on cannabidiol is changing: on 31^st December 2021, a decree was passed to prohibit the sale of cannabis leaves and flowers. However, cannabidiol is not a drug or psychoactive substance. it even has therapeutic properties which have been recognised by the WHO (World Health Organisation). CBD is a compound that has only recently been studied, and it has long been subjected to comparisons with its cousin, THC, as the two active ingredients come from the same plant. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) flower and a cannabidiol flower (CBD). Only THC is responsible for cannabis’ stoned effect and it psychotropic effects. This is the reason why France, in the interest of monitoring and safety, first decided to prohibit cannabis whether it contained THC or not. Currently, studies have shown that CBD with a THC content less than 0.3% is harmless in the majority of cases, it may even have a therapeutic effect in people suffering with stress, anxiety, insomnia, or pain.

What type of CBD is legal in France?

The law on cannabidiol stipulates that CBD products are only legal if they come from approved hemp cultivation and have a THC content that does not exceed 0.3%. No matter the form, oils, e-liquids, crystals, resins, creams and cosmetics, sweets, capsules, etc. There is still one prohibition in place even for CBD that does not contain THC, the law prohibiting smoking cannabidiol. Therefore, it is limited to vaping, ingestion, infusions, or massage.

What does the law on cannabidiol in Europe say?

France has just started taking a look at the law on cannabidiol, but many European countries have clearer legislation in place. The majority of European countries have already recognised and attested to the harmless nature of CBD, leading to authorisation and pioneering legalisation of CBD products. For example, Switzerland authorised cannabidiol more than a decade ago. Other countries have also legalised CBD, including Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Germany. Some countries have less strict limits than France, with a maximum regulatory THC dose of 1%. In most cases, it is possible to travel in Europe with CBD. All you need to do is review the legislation in the countries visited and keep proof of purchase for customs checks. For medical CBD, you will need a Schengen certificate which has been completed by your doctor.

Is it legal to drive after taking CBD?

Yes, but it’s better to avoid it

It is legal to possess and take CBD, but can you drive after taking it? Unlike alcohol, there is no set limit. All you need to know is that CBD can cause drowsiness in the event of overdose and, therefore, affect your driving. This natural compound is popular due to its relaxing properties, with effects that sometimes last several hours. There are no laws which prohibit you from driving after taking CBD, but we recommend that you wait before getting behind the wheel. Wait between 6 - 7 hours to allow the effects of cannabidiol to disappear. This way, you’ll be completely focused on the road and the risks will be reduced.

And in the event of a test?

In the event of a saliva test, THC is usually undetectable as legal CBD contains a very low amount. However, please be aware that some consumers have tested positive for THC as the products they consumed did not comply with legislation or because they did not observe the recommended CBD dosage. You won’t be taking any risks with products from The CBD Farm. Not only do they comply with all recommendations as per French law, but our hemp also comes from organic farming to guarantee a premium-quality product.

Can you carry cannabidiol on you?

You can travel with CBD on you, but you must keep the receipt or proof of purchase for traceability of the product you’re carrying. When a Cannabis Sativa L flower (CBD flower) looks a lot like Marijuana (THC), law enforcement agencies may be suspicious if you can’t prove the origin of the product. To ensure you comply with laws on cannabidiol, we recommend that you buy your products from a physical or renowned online store.

Who can sell CBD?

Everyone is authorised to sell CBD, as long as the law on cannabidiol is observed. Products must come from a specific type of cannabis, cannabis sativa L, and it must not exceed 0.3% THC. CBD must also be extracted from hemp roots and stems. Thoroughly research manufacturers in before purchasing CBD in order to guarantee your safety.

Cannabidiol legislation, what are the differences between CBD and THC?

The debate about the law on cannabidiol is controversial due to the confusion with THC. These two cannabinoid compounds can be found in hemp, a plant which is also known as cannabis. People who are unaware of these differences often confuse CBD and THC. However, they have completely different effects! CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects. A 2017 report by the WHO confirmed that it does not pose a danger to health, or cause any side effects or dependence. THC, on the other hand, alters your state of mind and results in dependence. Therefore, cannabis is not prohibited in France, only THC. Given that there are a multitude of hemp varieties, you can choose plants with a high CBD content and a low THC content.

Why is CBD with a THC content over 0.3% illegal?

As mentioned previously, THC is a compound which has psychotropic effects which means that it affects the consumers state of mind. It’s for this reason that it is often sought for recreational purposes, specifically marijuana. The issue is that it results in dependence (addiction) and it can cause a lot of accidents, brain damage, or academic failure. The law on cannabidiol considers THC a narcotic, so it is a banned product in France. Only products made from hemp or CBD with a low THC content are authorised.