In recent years, the legality and popularity of CBD (Cannabidiol) products have evolved significantly in France. As of 2023, CBD products are entirely legal in this European nation, provided they derive from EU-certified hemp and maintain a THC content below 0.2%.
CBD, a natural compound from the cannabis plant, differs fundamentally from THC, the psychoactive compound often associated with the ‘high’ experienced from marijuana. While both are present in the cannabis family of plants, CBD products in France are primarily sourced from hemp, ensuring low THC content. This clear distinction between CBD and THC is crucial in understanding the legal landscape for CBD products in the country.
With these ground rules established, where exactly can you buy CBD oil in France? Let’s delve into the options available.
Where to Buy CBD in France?
The easiest way to obtain CBD products for personal, daily use is to buy from a reputable e-commerce store in Europe. Luckily for you we do have a French CBD store, at Dr. Hemp Me France we supply customers all over France with high-quality CBD products with next day delivery.
Here is a list of the top products to purchase from Dr. Hemp Me’s French e-commerce store:
If you wish to purchase CBD Oil, Gummies or other products for delivery to France, you can visit us through the table above to view and shop all of our products.
CBD Oil Supplements for Personal Use in France
CBD oil is everywhere and available in almost every form lately. It is used in food, skin products and even in pet treats. Some parts of the world have permitted the use of CBD oil while in other parts, it is not yet permitted. CBD supplements are fast becoming common for women and men to add to their daily intake of foods and health supplement diet.
The potential of CBD oil and other CBD products for the body in terms of nutrients, and health effects is appearing more and more in anecdotal evidence everyday. An increase in research studies on CBD as a food supplement is also adding to the growing popularity of this natural supplement option. French leaders had a different view on the potential of hemp until very recently when new regulations were put forward.
France is the largest producer of Hemp in Europe. The hemp plant is permitted in France since it has much less THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) than marijuana; another member of the cannabis plant family. The French form of the crop is permitted once it is grown for the industrial use of its strong, natural fibres.
The French government introduced strict rules against CBD oil in France in 2018 including any traces of THC in CBD oil. Here it is not seen by all as an extra vitamin or mineral to add to your diet. In France CBD supplements have undergone much more scrutiny than a capsule of calcium, vitamin D or a multivitamin does when added in as part of a balanced intake of foods.
Up until recently France had an increasingly isolated attitude towards CBD oil and its chemical compounds. The country policed the possession and use of CBD oil, which meant you risk a fine as well as a jail term. However, France has permitted the possession, production, transportation, export, acquisition, and offering of a few products containing cannabis derivatives.
Read More: Is CBD Oil Legal in the Germany?
What is the Status of CBD in France?
Today France is awaiting new regulations around CBD supplements to be passed through the European Commission and come into full effect. These new laws surrounding Cannabidiol mean that specialist shops will now be authorised to use French grown hemp and not source from other countries in the EU. CBD based products are authorised for sale and use with the exception of hemp leaves or flowers.
The reason for the ban on flowers or buds and leaves of the hemp plant is the potential negative effect on human health. Buds and leaves tend to be added by CBD users to tobacco and then smoked. As smoking is a health concern in the eyes of French government officials, such products are not permitted or use in the country under new legislation.
France has some of the strictest rules on Cannabidiol usage in the EU. In short, the use of CBD oil is permitted in France. But, the status of CBD oil supplements here is quite ambiguous. CBD oil produced from marijuana is not allowed due to its high content of THC of 14%. But CBD oils derived from hemp is permitted as the THC content is much less, with only 0.2% or below. Recently, any trace of THC was disallowed in France for personal use.
The Beginning of CBD’s Status in France
In 2017, the presence of CBD oil in a few products for public consumption was permitted. Only products with a maximum of 0.2% of THC, the toxic element in cannabis, was permitted. However French leaders felt that some CBD shops were not following the rules and claimed it a public health issue.
Personal use of CBD oil in France or any CBD derivatives now remains unauthorised, and only hemp-derived CBD oil is allowed for use. But there are several cases that have created confusion among businesses regarding the sale of CBD products in France.
The Cannabidiol Topic
Products containing CBD or Cannabidiol are a huge success in France. The French legislation was quite flexible with the usage of CBD oil until a research project was organised to redefine the market regulations. In June 2018, CBD oil containing THC was unauthorised, with certain exceptions.
According to article R. 5132-86 of the Public Health Code, CBD made from specific breeds of cannabis plants were made legal. The status of CBD oil is considered a confusing topic in France, thanks to the strict rules that govern its usage.
While it is believed that CBD oil with THC of 0.2% or less and derived from hemp is permitted for use, several cases have surfaced that create a confusion.
CBD Sellers Cannot Advertise Health Benefits
There is still a lot of confusion on the status of CBD oil in France. French authorities cracked down on several CBD oil sellers and cases were filed against shops for the unauthorised sale of CBD oil.
CBD oil sellers are not allowed to make claims that CBD has healing properties, or it can help with certain health issues or illness. Strict action is taken against shops that make such claims.
Most people do not know the difference between cannabis and Cannabidiol or CBD. Below we will explain a little more to clear things up.
Cannabis with high THC content
Cannabis is a family of plants which includes hemp, marijuana and others. Cannabidiol is a chemical compound that is found in cannabis and is the primary cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Cannabidiol is the second-most vital cannabinoid after tetrahydrocannabinol or THC that is extracted from cannabis.
THC has toxic elements of which French leaders have banned CBD oil that has even traces of THC. Meaning full-spectrum CBD oils are unauthorised.
Shops can only promote this food supplement by saying that CBD oil helps to relax the body and mind, like herbal tea. Testimonial evidence given by men and women across France and the EU cannot be discussed as there is not enough research study results to make such claims fact in their eyes.
Cannabidiol Promotion Levels in France
French laws prohibit the promotion of CBD oil as anything other than a food supplement. The slightest mistake on the part of any shop owner who possesses sells, consumes, or promotes CBD oil will result in strict action.
The bottom line is:
- CBD oil made from hemp is permitted in France.
- The possession, consumption, promotion and sale of CBD oil made from other forms of Cannabis is not permitted.
- THC in CBD oil is now authorised, meaning full-spectrum CBD oil, once the THC content is less than 0.2%.
- Shop owners can promote CBD oil as a relaxant but not as health supplements or claim that CBD has any medicinal or health benefits.