What are cannabinoids? Definition, types and the French framework

Phytocannabinoids are the cannabinoids produced by hemp, synthesised in the trichomes — those microscopic resin glands found mainly on the flowers and leaves. More than 100 phytocannabinoids have been identified to date, all derived from a common molecule, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Our encyclopaedia sorts them into two families you can browse entry by entry: the major phytocannabinoids, present at weighable percentages in the flower, and the minor phytocannabinoids, present at fractions of a percent. The main ones are CBD (cannabidiol), non-intoxicating and the most abundant in varieties grown for wellbeing; THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound classified as a narcotic and tolerated at a maximum of 0.30% in a finished CBD product; CBG (cannabigerol), the precursor of the other cannabinoids; and CBN (cannabinol), an oxidative degradation product of THC, mildly psychoactive at very high doses.

The human body produces its own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids. Two main ones have been identified: anandamide, isolated in 1992, whose name derives from the Sanskrit ananda ("blissful joy"), and 2-AG, isolated in 1995 and more abundant in the brain. These molecules are synthesised on demand, act locally on the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, then are rapidly broken down by specific enzymes. This circuit makes up the endocannabinoid system, present in all mammals. Phytocannabinoids mimic or modulate the action of these endocannabinoids by binding to the same receptors.

Synthetic cannabinoids are artificial molecules produced in the laboratory that imitate the action of THC on the CB1 receptor. They appeared in the 1980s as research tools before being diverted towards recreational use. In France, the ANSM classified as narcotics HHC and its derivatives (order of 11 June 2023), then H4CBD, THCP and several other molecules in June 2024. Producing, distributing and possessing them are now criminal offences. Every French CBD product must certify the absence of these molecules on its certificate of analysis.

In practical terms, cannabinoids fall into two broad categories. Non-intoxicating cannabinoids produce no marked psychoactive effect: CBD, CBG, CBC, CBDA, CBGA, and CBN at common commercial dosages. Intoxicating cannabinoids produce a clear psychoactive effect: THC at an active concentration, along with HHC, THCP and their derivatives, banned since 2024. The French framework was settled by the Conseil d'État ruling of 29 December 2022, which takes the 0.30% THC threshold in the finished product as the test of commercial lawfulness. The MILDECA sets out the practical contours of this regime for the general public.

The only cannabinoid recognised as a medicine in France is Epidyolex® (purified CBD), authorised for certain rare childhood epilepsies and dispensed on hospital prescription. Medical cannabis, rolled out generally after the ANSM notification of 20 March 2025, contains THC at an active concentration and remains reserved for specific indications, always on prescription. Hemp's molecular diversity explains why pharmacological research remains complex: each cannabinoid has its own interaction profile, and the whole extract potentially behaves differently from the isolated molecule — the so-called entourage effect hypothesis, which is still under scientific investigation.

Are all of hemp's cannabinoids legal in France?

No. Only natural non-psychoactive cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC) may be sold, on condition that finished-product THC is at or below 0.30%. Semi-synthetics (HHC, H4CBD, THCP) have been banned since 2023-2024.

Does the human body produce CBD?

No. The body produces its own cannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG, which differ in structure from CBD but bind to the same CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

What is the difference between a cannabinoid and a terpene?

Cannabinoids bind mainly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Terpenes, such as myrcene or limonene, are volatile aromatic compounds found in many plants; they coexist with cannabinoids in hemp's trichomes without belonging to the same chemical family.

How many cannabinoids does a CBD product actually contain?

It depends on the format. An isolate contains CBD only, a broad spectrum adds minor cannabinoids without THC, and a full spectrum brings together all the cannabinoids identified in hemp, with traces of THC below the legal threshold.

To explore our selection of CBD oils and products with a certificate of analysis, [browse our spectrum and chemistry catalogue](/categorie-produit/extracts-cbd). CBD is not a medicine. If you have any medical doubt, consult a healthcare professional.