In France, the regulations surrounding hemp and cannabis are distinct from those for THC-rich cannabis, with different legal frameworks governing each. Here’s a detailed overview of these regulations, including recent legislative attempts and the status of inhalable CBD products:
Cannabis and Hemp Regulations
- THC Cannabis:
- Illegal for Recreational Use: Cannabis with THC content (the psychoactive component) is illegal for recreational use in France. The possession, sale, and use of such cannabis can lead to significant legal penalties.
- Medical Cannabis: Since March 2013, France has allowed the medical use of cannabis under very controlled circumstances. A national experiment commenced in March 2021, involving about 3,000 patients, to further assess the impact and efficacy of medical cannabis.
- Hemp and CBD:
- Legal Hemp Cultivation: Cultivation of hemp is legal in France for varieties listed in the EU’s Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species and containing less than 0.2% THC. This hemp is used primarily for industrial and agricultural purposes, including fibers and seeds.
- CBD Regulations: The sale and use of CBD products derived from hemp (containing less than 0.2% THC) were clarified in November 2020. France allows the sale of CBD products that adhere to this THC threshold. However, in 2021, the French government attempted to ban the sale of CBD flowers and leaves, regardless of THC content, primarily due to concerns about consumption methods that mirror smoking cannabis. This measure was later overturned by the Council of State, France’s highest administrative judicial body, in January 2022, allowing the continued legal sale of CBD flowers and leaves.
Recent Legislative Attempts
- 2021 CBD Regulation Attempt: As mentioned, the government tried to enforce a ban on the sale of CBD flowers and leaves in 2021, which was intended to address public health concerns. This was overturned in 2022, affirming the legality of selling these products as long as they comply with the THC content restrictions.
- Ongoing Medical Cannabis Experiment: Initiated in 2021, this experiment is significant as it may pave the way for broader medical cannabis legislation depending on its outcomes. The results could influence future laws regarding the therapeutic use of cannabis.
Inhalable CBD Products
Regarding inhalable CBD products like vaporizers:
- Legal Status: Inhalable CBD products are technically legal in France as long as they comply with the same THC content restrictions (less than 0.2% THC). However, the shifting legal landscape, especially with attempts to regulate or ban forms of CBD consumption that mimic smoking, means that the status can be somewhat uncertain. Retailers often sell CBD e-liquids for vaporizers under these regulations.
- Regulation Challenges: The attempted ban on CBD flowers and leaves reflects broader concerns about smoking and vaping CBD products, indicating ongoing regulatory scrutiny in this area.
In summary, while France allows the cultivation of hemp and the sale of CBD products under strict THC content limits, the legal context for cannabis with THC and inhalable forms of CBD remains complex and subject to significant regulatory oversight. The ongoing medical cannabis experiment and recent legal decisions regarding CBD highlight the evolving nature of cannabis-related laws in France.
