What Are the CBD Laws in France? [2021 Buyer's Guide]

Summary: Buying CBD In France

1. CBD products that contain no THC are legal in France
2. Hemp is legal to grow as long as it has a THC content of less than 0.2%. However, all THC must be removed from CBD products in order for them to be legal.
3. Although CBD is legal to possess, some shops selling it have had trouble with the authorities — in some cases, the businesses are shut down and their products confiscated.
4. France produces up to 40% of Europe’s hemp and is the world’s third-largest producer — only behind China and Canada.

Best CBD Oil Brands For France (2021):

• Best CBD Oils For Pain in France — Nordic Oil
• Best Budget CBD Brand in France — Reakiro CBD
• Best CBD Concentrates in France — Endoca CBD
• Best Full-Spectrum CBD Oils France — Eir Health
• Best CBD Edibles France — Holistic Hemp Scotland

Where to Buy CBD Products in France

You can find many online suppliers that ship high-quality CBD products to France. However, some of these companies are international entities — so they may not strictly follow the regulations in place by the French government.

Therefore, it’s important that you take a few steps to ensure you’re in line with the law.

When shopping online, make sure you choose products made with CBD isolates to avoid any trouble with the authorities.

You may see CBD extracts labeled as “full-spectrum” — which means they have a variety of cannabinoids from the hemp plant, including THC. Avoid purchasing these extracts to make sure the oils you order are completely THC free to remain legal.

Most European-based CBD companies will ship directly to France. Our favorite brands are Nordic Oil, Endoca, and Reakiro.

Tips for Buying CBD Online in France:

1. Purchase products made with CBD isolates — CBD isolates are completely legal in France while full-spectrum extracts contain THC — which is not permitted.
2. Avoid purchasing from companies that claim CBD treats or cures any disease — these claims are not supported by the European Commission.
3. Make sure the supplier can provide third-party test results — these tests can tell you if the product contains potentially harmful materials like heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.

Is CBD Legal in France?

The marijuana plant is illegal in France. It’s classified as a narcotic drug.

However, CBD is NOT considered a narcotic in the eyes of the government — but there are restrictions that must be followed in order for it to be legal.

In 2018, the French Government clarified its stance on CBD products.

As we mentioned above, people are free to grow their own hemp in France.

However, the hemp must be one of the government-approved strains and only the stems and fibers can be used — using the flowers in any way is strictly prohibited.

There’s some confusion here because the hemp plant is legally allowed to have 0.2% THC by weight — which isn’t the case with CBD products.

CBD is only legal to sell, use, and possess in France if it has 0% THC. If the product contains any THC at all, it may be considered a narcotic by the authorities.

Companies selling CBD are forbidden from making any therapeutic claims not recognized by the ANSM or the European Commission. Additionally, the marketing of CBD products is limited and can’t promote the use of cannabis in any way.

With all of this in mind, customers in France should look for products made from CBD isolate in order to remain within the 0% THC limit.

CBD isolates are hemp extracts that are thoroughly processed to remove any remaining THC and other cannabis compounds.

Hemp & Marijuana: What’s the Difference?

The difference between hemp and marijuana is largely cultural — both are actually the same species, known as Cannabis sativa.

Both hemp and marijuana are rich in CBD, but produce different amounts of other cannabinoids like THC, CBN, CBC, CBG, and much more. This is all controlled by the plant’s DNA.

The law separates hemp and marijuana based on how much THC is in the plant — THC is the chemical compound in cannabis that produces the psychoactive high.

1. Marijuana — More Than 0.2% THC

In France, marijuana is defined as a strain of Cannabis sativa with more than 0.2% THC by weight. THC is the main reason why marijuana is illegal in many countries around the world — including France. It’s the primary psychoactive ingredient in the plant responsible for the high produced by marijuana.

2. Hemp — 0.2% THC or Less

According to French authorities, hemp is any Cannabis sativa with a THC content of less than 0.2%. Unlike marijuana, hemp cannot get the user high. For this reason, it’s considered a legal and abundant crop in France.

A Brief History of Cannabis Laws in France

It’s important to know that cannabis is the umbrella term for both hemp and marijuana — and the distinction is crucial to understanding the laws regarding CBD in France.

France has been growing industrial hemp for hundreds of years. By 1850, France was producing more than 175,000 hectares of hemp — this number decreased to a low of 700 hectares by 1960 [1].

In more recent times, France has increased hemp production once again — and is now responsible for approximately 40% of Europe’s hemp production.

However, France’s laws regarding hemp and CBD are not always straightforward. Let’s examine these laws in more detail.

Final Thoughts: Buying CBD In France

Overall, France is one of the best places to be in Europe if you’re interested in CBD products. France is Europe’s leading producer of hemp and the third-largest producer worldwide.

Under the current laws, you’re welcome to grow your own hemp on the condition that it’s one of the 20 approved strains with less than 0.2% THC and you only use the seeds, stems, leaves, and fibers of the plant.

French laws are slowly becoming more accepting of CBD products as people around the world recognize the value of cannabis extracts.

Although there are some restrictions, you should have no trouble finding high-quality CBD extracts in France as long as you purchase those with 0% THC.