In recent years, the legal framework governing the production, sale, purchase, and consumption of hemp has changed significantly. But what is the current situation? What does the law say about purchasing hemp flowers?Can you consume them? What are the consequences of buying hemp flowers in France? High Society answers all these questions in the rest of this article.
Understanding the Different Varieties of Hemp Flowers
France is Europe’s leading producer of hemp. However, it has fairly restrictive regulations regarding the sale and consumption of hemp. Why is it possible to grow it but not to sell it? Well, the confusion often stems from the fact that there are many varieties of hemp in their natural state that contain both THC and CBD.
Some varieties of hemp have a fairly high THC content (the psychoactive compound in cannabis). Others have a minimal concentration of THC but are rich in CBD (cannabidiol). For many years, regulations have prohibited the sale and consumption of THC.
In addition, the cultivation and use of hemp varieties thatare rich in CBD and free of THC are currently permitted. These varieties can be used in food and textiles. They are even useful in construction. Our CBD shop gives you access to these products online.
France Finally Legalizes the Sale of CBD
In the past, the sale of cannabidiol (CBD) was prohibited in France. However, it has been legal since November 2020. This is because the ban on CBD was struck down by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The court justified its ruling by citing the need to respect the free movement of goods within the EU.
She also emphasized that the CBD molecule is harmless, which means it cannot be considered a drug or a narcotic.
The regulations governing the sale of CBD have therefore been revised in France. They now stipulate that “authorization for the cultivation, import, export, and industrial and commercial use of hemp is extended, under certain conditions, to all parts of the hemp plant.” The stipulation is as follows: the plant’s THC content must be less than 0.2%.
Thanks to this clarification, farmers now know that in France, they can grow CBD for use in the manufacture of derivative products. As for specialty stores, they can sell products such as:
- E-cigarettes;
- CBD-Infused Foods
- CBD-based oils
- CBD cosmetics…
However, even though purchasing CBD is legal in France, the sale of raw hemp flowers and dried leaves (regardless of their THC or CBD content) is currently permitted but not legal. More details below.
Is the purchase of hemp flowers illegal in France?
While the law permits the sale of CBD in France, the government would like to ban the purchase of cannabis flowers and leaves. In fact, the government is seeking to prohibit specialty shops from selling raw hemp flowers: “Hemp flowers and leaves may only be harvested, imported, or used for the industrial production of hemp extracts.”
"As a result, the sale to consumers of raw flowers or leaves in any form—whether alone or mixed with other ingredients, including as smoking products, herbal teas, or potpourri—as well as their possession by consumers and their consumption, are prohibited."
The government justifies this restriction—which it would like to enact—on “grounds of public order and public health.” Similarly, hemp flowers often pose a problem during police checks. It is difficult to determine the THC or CBD content of a hemp flower by sight alone. Without a thorough analysis, it is virtually impossible to know whether the herb contains narcotic cannabis (high THC content) or legal cannabis (high CBD content).
The restriction on the sale and purchase of hemp flowers is therefore proposed in order to also preserve “the operational capacity of internal security forces to combat narcotics.”
However, the government’s plans have been thwarted bythe Union of CBD Professionals(UPCBD), which has opposed them. CBD professionals have thus secured the suspension of the decree banning CBD flowers and are working to have it permanently overturned. The law banning the sale and purchase of CBD is therefore not yet in effect.
What are the risks of consuming hemp flowers in France?
Given that it is illegal to purchase hemp flowers in France, it is advisable to choose only products with a THC content below 0.2%. Smoking hemp flowers—either alone or mixed with tobacco—can harm the lungs. The smoke produced by burning the leaves settles in the lungs and can gradually lead to potentially serious respiratory diseases.
It’s best to go to a recognized and certified supplier that offers traceable products. With quality in mind, ourCBD flower of the monthfeatures a variety rigorously selected for its properties and compliance with French standards. In fact, some hemp flowers from Switzerland or Italy contain THC levels as high as 0.5% or even 1%. This type of cannabis flower is illegal to consume. Even when used for wellness purposes, you are not permitted to consume it.
To avoid finding yourself in a difficult situation—for example, during a traffic stop—choose hemp-derived products that suit your needs: food, cosmetics, e-liquid, oils, sports balms, chewing gum, candy…
