Is CBD legal in France?
There's still a lot of confusion surrounding CBD consumption in France. It's tolerated in some cases and prohibited in others. Canebiera clarifies the situation.
"YES" to CBD, "NO" to THC.
CBD and THC – cannabis and cannabidiol: a distinction must be made between the two molecules. CBD and THC are active substances derived from the hemp plant, in other words, components. The difference? THC has a psychoactive effect (commonly called "getting high") and is considered a narcotic, which is not the case for CBD.
In fact, CBD will tend to minimize the effects of THC: its sedative effects allow it to counteract the psychoactive aspect of THC.
In other words, from a legislative point of view, products containing THC fall under the law and their consumption is subject to criminal prosecution. Products containing CBD (hemp), on the other hand, can be consumed provided they contain less than 0.2% THC.
Very different effects between CBD and THC
We've discussed the psychoactive effects of THC, and there are many of them, as they lead to an altered state of consciousness by acting directly on the brain. Feelings of well-being, euphoria, and relaxation also go hand in hand with dilated pupils, red eyes, stress, anxiety, and paranoia. But above all, addiction.
CBD, however, does not generate any anxiety and is non-addictive. Better yet, its soothing properties are recognized for relieving the daily lives of patients with chronic pain and seizures (epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease in particular). CBD is also effective against inflammation, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Legalization of CBD in France: recent steps taken
Steps have been taken in this regard in recent weeks. The Temporary Specialized Scientific Committee (CSST), convened by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), after 3 meetings held during the second half of 2018, spoke in favor of making therapeutic cannabis available in France on December 13, via a press release.
The World Health Organization (WHO), through a letter dated January 24, written by its Director, asked the United Nations to reclassify cannabis to Schedule I (initially Schedule IV) in the 1961 International Drug Control Conventions.
Finally, MEPs voted on Wednesday, February 13, on a resolution on ways to fill the gaps in member states' research into medical cannabis.
A clarification of the subject seems more necessary than ever. The issue of CBD has gone beyond a simple social phenomenon and is already emerging as a public health matter.
