CBD (cannabidiol) is derived from cannabis and hemp plants. It is present in small amounts in the cannabis plant, but abundant in hemp plants. To be specific, the Cannabis sativa plant. For CBD to be legal, it has to contain <0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, in some countries, <0.3% THC is also acceptable, and this includes France. France, however, has just changed the laws around hemp, and has now deemed the flower and leaf illegal.
France will, however, accept CBD products that do not contain the flower or leaf as lawful, so products such as edibles, oil, personal care, etc. are not affected.
THC, or Delta 9 as it is also known, is the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. It is the mind-altering compound that is widely illegal globally. It is an offence to cultivate, supply, or possess THC, and there are varying penalties, depending on where in the world the laws are contravened.
Delta 9 has street names such as 'pot', 'grass', 'weed', 'green', 'herb', and others. Although it is an illegal cannabinoid, it does have beneficial health properties. It has been used for centuries in healing, spirituality and rituals, to address many issues. In some countries it is available on prescription for medicinal purposes. However, it is limited to certain health conditions, and strictly monitored.
In contrast to THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. Therefore, it does not alter the mind, it is safe, non-addictive, and legal to use. It has been recognised in recent years for it's healing benefits. CBD is available in various forms, such as, flower, oil, edibles, pre-rolls, hash, vapes, cartridges, personal care, and much more.
Since it's arrival into the cannabis market, CBD sales and demand has rocketed, making it one of the most popular supplements for health and wellbeing. It is not only available online, but it is available in many countries on the high street. In addition to this, there are also many products available that contain CBD as an added ingredient.
The new legislation in France surrounding CBD states that CBD flowers and leaves are prohibited in all forms for consumption and possession.
However, it is still lawful to harvest or import industrial hemp, but it has to be for the specific use in the production of hemp extracts.
One of the factors CBD flower and leaves are prohibited is that it is very similar in appearance to THC. To the naked eye it is difficult for some to determine the difference between CBD and THC. This creates a plethora of problems for authorities trying to control THC use, although there is a simple test to distinguish between the two cannabinoids. Another reason for the prohibition of CBD flower and leaf is the fact that it is widely smoked. Smoking CBD flower or leaf often entails mixing it with harmful tobacco. It is common knowledge that tobacco contains nicotine, which is extremely detrimental to health. There are numerous harmful health conditions arising from tobacco use, putting great strain on universal health services.
The French economy has already been affected by the change in CBD law significantly. Although the CBD market in France is worth millions, many physical outlets have already been closed down.
An additional change in French CBD law has seen an acceptable rise in THC levels from <0.2% to <0.3%.
France cultivates the most hemp in Europe. Those opposed to the new CBD laws have appealed against this decision, in the hope that this legislation is overturned very soon.
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