It is important to know exactly what is and what is not legal in regards to Cannabis and Cannabis products in France. Lets answer some basic questions.
The legal status of Cannabis and Cannabis related products differ greatly between different countries, even ones part of the European Union. France, although having a very liberal and open stance on Cannabis use, both recreationally and medically does not necessarily have the same legal viewpoint on the matter.
It is important to know exactly what is and what is not legal in regards to Cannabis and Cannabis products in France. Lets answer some basic questions.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY CBD IN FRANCE ONLINE: YES
While France does allow for CBD oil (french: Huile de CBD) to be sold, there are strict rules as to what claims vendors can make about the product. Sellers can not make medical claims, and must state that CBD oil is not for consumption, although there is no legal ramification for consuming it. The CBD oils must contain less than 0.2% THC to be sold legally.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY CBD IN FRANCE OFFLINE: YES
CBD oil can be found in many health and natural medicine stores throughout France and is often advertised as a CBD tincture. As with buying online, vendors are prohibited from making claims about any potential medical benefits that CBD oil consumption may have.
Several stores have been closed down in recent years for advertising claims that the French government believes to be unsubstantiated.
As with online purchase of CBD oil, the oil must contain less than 0.2% THC to be considered legal.
IS IT LEGAL TO GROW HEMP FOR CBD IN FRANCE? YES
Interestingly enough, France is the only wetern nation to have never banned Hemp cultivation and thus the practice is entirely legal. While most Hemp cultivated is used, oddly enough, to make high quality paper for bibles as well as rolling papers, hemp cultivation for purposes of personal CBD oil production has risen in popularity as more people begin to experiment with the medicinal properties of CBD oil.
IS IT LEGAL IN FRANCE TO BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR MEDICAL USE: YES
Cannabis products containing 0.2% THC and higher is illegal in France, this includes recreational Cannabis. Although France has made efforts to decriminalize and legalize Cannabis for recreational purposes, possession is still punishable with a 200 euro fine.
That being said, Cannabis products containing more than 0.2% THC for medical use is highly regulated but on the rise in France. This began in 2013, when certain Cannabis derived products were cleared for medical use.
IS IT LEGAL IN FRANCE BUY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ABOVE 0.2% OF THC FOR RECREATIONAL USE: NO
Cannabis products containing more than 0.2% THC is illegal in France, with a 200 euro fine given to anyone caught with the substance.
CONCLUSION
Although recreational Cannabis is illegal to buy and posses in France, CBD oil is legal and readily available, as long as the vendor refrains from making any claims about the medical benefits of CBD oil and as long as the THC content is less than 0.2%
Those looking to purchase CBD oil France should have no issues as it is commonly sold in health food and alternative medicine stores around the country but usually the highest quality products with 3rd party lab test results you can find online. If you are living or travelling to France you can place an order in Eir Health French CBD Store or General EU CBD Store. Delivery is free for every order over €80 and you can find 3rd party lab results for every product on the product page.
