Quelles entreprises ont été sélectionnées par l'ANSM pour l'expérimentation du cannabis médical ?

L'ANSM a retenu six producteurs internationaux : Aurora et Tilray (Canada), Little Green Pharma et Althea (Australie), Panaxia (Israël) et Emmac (Royaume-Uni), en partenariat avec des acteurs pharmaceutiques français comme le laboratoire Boiron.

Pourquoi n'y avait-il aucun producteur français lors du lancement de l'expérimentation ?

Au moment de l'appel d'offres initial, la législation française ne permettait pas la culture du chanvre contenant du THC sur le territoire national, rendant impossible la candidature directe de producteurs locaux.

Le cannabis médical sélectionné par l'ANSM est-il le même que le CBD vendu en boutique ?

Non. Le cannabis médical est un traitement sous ordonnance contenant du THC, distribué exclusivement en pharmacie. Le CBD de bien-être contient moins de 0,3 % de THC, est disponible en vente libre et ne constitue pas un traitement médical.

Medical Cannabis Suppliers in France: History and Assessment of the ANSM Selection

Fournisseurs de Cannabis Médical en France : Histoire et Bilan de la Sélection ANSM

💡 Update note: What is the current status of medical cannabis in France?

This article outlines the historical framework behind the ANSM's selection of suppliers at the launch of the project. To consult the complete and up-to-date status of regulations, the summary of indications, and the steps for generalization, check out our updated dossier: Medical Cannabis in France: Experimentation, ANSM, and Status.

When the medical cannabis experiment was launched in France, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) implemented a rigorous selection process. The goal was to select producers capable of providing, free of charge, pharmaceutical-grade treatments for several thousand patients being treated in specialized hospital centers.

1. The ANSM Call for Tenders and the Allocation of Lots

The initial consultation covered 12 distinct lots, defined according to cannabinoid dosage (THC and CBD) and authorized galenic forms (oral oils and flowers for inhalation by vaporization).

Out of the entire consultation, nine lots were awarded to six specialized international companies:

Aurora Cannabis (Canada): designated as the primary supplier for three major lots, including flowers for vaporization and balanced formulas.
Tilray (Canada): selected for the supply of high-THC oral oils as well as balanced THC and CBD oils.
Other selected producers: the companies Little Green Pharma and Althea (Australia), Panaxia (Israel), and Emmac (United Kingdom) were selected to supplement the main and alternate lots.

This distribution was accompanied by logistics partnerships on French soil, notably with the Boiron laboratory, which partnered with the project to ensure pharmaceutical supply and distribution.

2. Why Was No French Producer Initially Selected?

During this historic call for tenders, no French company appeared among the winners. At that time, French regulations prohibited the cultivation of high-THC hemp on national territory, even for medical purposes.

Since this initial call for tenders, regulatory changes have allowed the French agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors to gradually structure themselves to meet the strict requirements of European medical production (EU-GMP standards).

3. Medical Cannabis vs. Wellness CBD: A Fundamental Distinction

It remains essential not to confuse the medical cannabis framework with that of over-the-counter wellness CBD:

Medical Cannabis: These are medicines containing varying concentrations of THC and CBD. These preparations are subject to strict medical prescription, dispensed in pharmacies, and reserved for severe pathologies after the failure of conventional therapies. To delve deeper into the biological mechanisms, you can discover how the endocannabinoid system works.
Wellness CBD: These are products derived from authorized hemp varieties with a THC content strictly below 0.3%. They are not medicines and are used to support a daily relaxation routine. For a healthy approach, it is recommended to avoid synthetic molecules.

For rituals of serenity and ambient calm, it is also advisable to understand how the entourage effect works. If you wish to explore the aromatic diversity of the raw plant, you can, for example, discover our organic CBD flowers or explore our French CBD resins.

Reminder: wellness CBD is not a medicine and cannot claim to treat or cure pathologies.