LREM deputies demand fact-finding mission on CBD
Highlighting "considerable opportunities" for French farmers in hemp cultivation, presidential majority MPs are calling for the creation of an information mission in the assembly on the "wellness" use of cannabis.
Wellness hemp (CBD), a health opportunity.
Six MPs have united in this initiative: to request the establishment of an information mission in the National Assembly regarding the wellness use of cannabis. Specifically, we find LREM MPs Jean-Baptiste Moreau (Creuse), Sophie Beaudouin-HubiÚre (Haute-Vienne), Jean-Baptiste Djebarri (Haute-Vienne), Naïma Moutchou (Val-d'Oise), Ludovic Mendes (Moselle) and MP Paul Molac, from the Liberté et territoires group (Morbihan). These six MPs view "wellness" cannabis favorably, for several reasons.
Firstly, for its virtues and properties, which are being demonstrated more and more every day. "Wellness" cannabis products or CBD have a THC level below 0.20%. This makes them legal, under European law, and also devoid of psychotropic and addictive effects. Thousands of people suffering from serious pathologies (Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease) and more common medical problems (insomnia, depression, joint pain, etc.) currently consume cannabis in various forms to relieve the inherent pain and effects and improve their daily lives. Its decriminalization or strict regulation would allow a large majority of patients to have direct and regulated access to products of proven efficacy.
Wellness hemp (CBD), a financial opportunity.
The last half of 2018 saw the emergence of hundreds of stores selling CBD-based products across the country. A trend that originated abroad, in countries where the molecule is perfectly legal and sold in specialized stores. Admitting a clear delay in this area and in view of the lack of state control, the Minister of Solidarity and Health AgnĂšs Buzyn had to be firm by leading a strong repression campaign, with the help of magistrates. This subsequently allowed for a calm assessment of the molecule's capabilities and relevance, in concert with the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) and the Interministerial Mission for Combating Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (Mildeca).
But it is also the financial prospects that motivate the MPs to take a stand on the subject: largely inspired by Canada, the signatories see it as a tremendous opportunity to generate profits, replenish state coffers, and boost the agricultural economy. "Today, tens of thousands of French consumers use 'wellness' hemp products based on cannabidiol (CBD) daily," state the six elected officials, "most of the time imported from our European neighbors, notably via online platforms."
An incomprehensible situation according to them, justified by the legal uncertainty surrounding the issue. For them, "this regulation prevents national economic actors from developing a real sector, even though France is the leading European producer of hemp." They finally emphasize the need to adapt French legislation to promote "the opening of a market estimated at 1 billion euros per year, improve the income of our farmers, and revitalize our rural areas."
