Is CBD legal?

CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid derived from hemp. Although it is associated with the cannabis plant, CBD does not provide any psychoactive effects, unlike the THC or tetrahydrocannabinol molecule. This is the reason why CBD is authorised in France, but THC is not.

That being said, CBD is a substance that has started to become more democratic in Europe in recent years and some people are questioning its legality. Moreover, even people who work in the CBD community agree that there is still a legal limbo surrounding this much talked about molecule. So is CBD really legal and what does the law say about it? That's what we invite you to discover in this article.

Is CBD legal in France?

Yes, CBD is legal in France. All products that contain CBD can be sold and consumed legally, under certain conditions:

• The first condition is that CBD products must respect a limit of 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
• The second is that CBD must be extracted from hemp stalks and seeds. In France, CBD buds or flowers are usually destroyed as they are prohibited from being sold. The CBD flowers you can find in French shops are actually from neighbouring countries such as Switzerland or Italy.
• The third and final requirement is that CBD must come from certain cannabis plants. The French government has set up a list of about 20 varieties that can be grown. Other varieties of cannabis are totally prohibited.

What are CBD-derived products and what does the law say about them?

As you know, CBD can come in various forms: resins, flowers, crystals, e-liquids, oils, food products, cosmetics, etc. However, not all forms of CBD are accepted. This is particularly the case for "Full Spectrum" CBD which is, for the time being, banned for sale and consumption in France.

CBD oil

In France, only CBD oils known as "Broad Spectrum" are authorised because they do not contain THC. On the other hand, the so-called "Full spectrum" oils are prohibited because they contain all the cannabinoids present in the plant, and therefore, THC.

CBD e-liquids and Boosters

E-liquids, Pen, as well as CBD Boosters are allowed as long as they are made from "Broad Spectrum" oil, i.e., which does not contain THC.

CBD dietary and cosmetic supplements

Today, there are dietary supplements in the form of capsules, cakes, tea, honey, candy and many others containing CBD. They are usually made from CBD crystals or Broad Spectrum oil. So these products are completely legal and the same goes for cosmetic products.

Hemp seeds

The sale of cannabis seeds is completely legal in France and it is these seeds that enable the creation of CBD. However, the sale, production and processing of cannabis flowers or leaves are prohibited in France.

Is it allowed to buy CBD?

If you wish to purchase CBD, in any form, it is entirely possible to go to physical shops. You'll still need to make sure the products you buy are legal.

You can also buy CBD on the internet. Here again, you just need to do so on a trusted site that offers quality products. Always check that the product you choose does not contain any traces of THC so that you are not illegal. Of course, all of this will need to be thoroughly seen before delivery to avoid unpleasant surprises.

How to buy good quality CBD legally.

From a legislative point of view, you can buy CBD legally as long as you are 18 years old. Whether it's on a website or in a physical shop, nothing more will be required of you.

Whether you are a consumer or a retailer, you should always check certain things such as the quality, the extraction method and of course the dosage of the product before making a purchase. Here are some tips to help you choose good products that are both qualitative and compliant with the standards in force:

Choose a trusted seller

CBD consumption is becoming increasingly popular and there has been a sharp increase in supply over the last couple of years, particularly on the internet. Many sites offer competitive prices and claim to be experts in the field.

Don't rely on sellers who offer tempting prices and whose transparency towards the products leaves something to be desired. Choose shops that inspire confidence, that transmit good values about hemp and that offer explanations worthy of professionals.

Check the transparency of the chosen product

French legislation is clear, the sale and consumption of CBD is only allowed if the THC content is below 0.2%. As a retailer or consumer, you must also check that the product you choose does not contain THC and that it complies with the rules.

To do this, make sure of the provenance and the various quality tests that have been carried out. It also seems worthwhile to check the quality labels advertised by the wholesalers.

Be careful with prices

CBD production is a complex and expensive process, and this is one reason why the prices may seem high to you. However, don't be fooled by sellers who offer CBD at rock-bottom prices. In many cases, these are products that do not meet the standards set by legislation and that wholesalers are trying to get rid of.

On the other hand, you may well be ripped off by a supplier who tries to sell you extremely expensive CBD by passing it off as top quality. Whether the prices are too low or too high, stay wary and turn to professionals with fair prices.