Is CBD legal in France? (updated September 2018)

Is CBD Legal In France?

Is CBD legal in France?

Is CBD Legal in France? this article will help you understand medical cannabis and hemp laws in France.

L’huile de CBD est-elle légale en France?

Cannabis Laws in France

Cannabis in France is illegal for personal use, but remains one of the most popular illegal drugs. Limited types of cannabis-derived products are permitted for medical uses.

France, however, continues to police its people with an archaic (and increasingly isolated) attitude towards cannabis. In fact, the current law has more or less remained unchanged since its introduction in 1970. It states that ‘possession of cannabis’ can be punished with up to one year in prison plus a fine of up to €3,750!

Medical Cannabis in France

In 2014 the French government gave the green-light for Sativex, a cannabis-based treatment for multiple sclerosis, to be sold in French pharmacies. This move was met with vocal support among the medical community who felt it could have opened the door to full medical cannabis legalisation further down the line. However, three years later, as a result of a pricing war, the drug is still yet to have arrived on French shores.

As of 8 June 2013, cannabis derivatives can be used in France for the manufacture of medicinal products. The products can only be obtained with a prescription and will only be prescribed when all other medications have failed to effectively relieve suffering. The amended legislation decriminalises “the production, transport, export, possession, offering, acquisition or use of speciality pharmaceutials that contains one of these (cannabis-derivative) substances”, while all cannabis products must be approved by the National Medical Safety Agency (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament – ANSM).

Hemp production in France

France are the world’s leader in hemp seed production. Currently, France is responsible for 59% of the total seeds globally. The country also dominates the fibre application market – accounting for over 50% of hemp based pulp and paper production in Europe.

Is CBD Oil Legal in France?

Is CBD oil legal in France? The short answer is, yes. Hemp CBD oil containing less than (up to) 0.2% THC is allowed.

The Minister for Health announced in November 2017 that the presence of CBD in products for public consumption was authorised providing it has a maximum of 0.2% of THC (the psychoactive element in cannabis).

In June 2018 according to a report in The Independent,  the French government has admitted it has been caught on the hop by the rapid proliferation of businesses offering the low dosage product.

Agnès Buzyn, the health minister, said the shops were a threat to public health because they were encouraging drug use. She said they existed because they were exploiting a legal loophole which she pledged to close, adding that the government would find a way to put them all out of business within weeks.

“We’re not fighting like mad to ensure that the French stop smoking [tobacco] for them to start smoking cannabis,” she said.

If you are thinking of buying or selling CBD oil in France, we advise you to check the current state of the law very carefully.

France - Is CBD Oil Legal in France - CBDOilEurope.com

HUILE DE CBD LEGAL EN FRANCE?

References:

https://www.prohibitionpartners.com/european-country-review/2017/8/30/the-european-legal-cannabis-market-is-france-falling-behind

http://eiha.org/media/2016/05/16-05-17-European-Hemp-Industry-2013.pdf

https://www.connexionfrance.com/French-news/CBD-shops-open-in-Paris-as-use-spreads-across-France

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/cannabis-coffee-shop-paris-france-weed-smoking-close-marijuana-a8407041.html

12 thoughts on “Is CBD legal in France? (updated September 2018)

    • Adriaan says:

      Hi Caz,

      we aren’t sure about the latest position of the french authorities regarding CBD.

      However, we have seen products enter the french market, so we are hopeful you can find a local supplier to help you out,

      if you can’t find anyone please let us know and we’ll help you look,

      • Robert says:

        I also have back trouble and osteoarthritis and recently arrived from U.S.. I have my cbd pen with me and am running low on oil. I would like to find a local suppler near or in Perpignan, Dept 66. Can you help. Thanks.

        • Adriaan says:

          Hi Robert,

          I’m not sure, we don’t have a partner in that region.

          Please let us know if you can’t find anyone locally or through the internet,

  1. Manny says:

    Hi guys, I use CBD for my MND , I will be on holiday in Dijon France and Milan Italy next week.
    Any idea where I can purchase CBD . ( Manny from NZ )

  2. Claudia Templeton says:

    I’m travelling to Paris and I want to know if it’s possible to take my cbd oil with no THC that has been prescribed by an Australian doctor under government approval. Endoca 2400mg

  3. Deb says:

    I’ll be traveling to France and Switzerland this coming summer – I use CBD salve – for joint pain on ankle/leg for walking – would that be legal? or should I go with trying to find it when I get there?

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