What is CBD? Definition and the French framework

Cannabidiol was identified as early as 1940 by the chemist Roger Adams at the University of Illinois, but its full structure was only described in 1963 by Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It is one of more than 100 cannabinoids naturally produced by hemp, alongside THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol) and CBC (cannabichromene).

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to the CB1 receptors of the central nervous system. At usual doses it produces neither psychoactive effect, nor euphoria, nor impairment of motor faculties. It is this absence of narcotic effect that legally sets cannabidiol apart from other cannabinoid derivatives, and that has allowed its gradual commercialisation in Europe.

"Hemp" and "cannabis" refer to the same botanical species (Cannabis sativa L.), but French law distinguishes between them by THC content. The industrial hemp authorised in France belongs to varieties listed in the common European catalogue or the official French catalogue, whose THC content in the plant is below 0.30%. Other varieties fall under the narcotics regime.

Since the ruling of the Conseil d'État of 29 December 2022 (no. 444887), confirmed by a series of Cour de cassation rulings of 14 January 2025, the criterion used is the THC content of the finished product sold to the consumer, and no longer that of the source plant or the raw extract. The threshold is set at 0.30% (no longer 0.20%, as it was before 2021).

The CBD marketed in France is extracted from hemp varieties grown mainly in Europe (France, Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain). Three extraction methods dominate: supercritical CO2 extraction (the most widespread, preserving heat-sensitive compounds), ethanol extraction and solvent extraction. The process shapes the profile of the finished product — pure CBD isolate, broad spectrum (THC-free) or full spectrum (with traces of THC at or below 0.30%).

According to MILDECA, the French wellbeing CBD market had roughly 2,000 physical points of sale in 2025, in addition to e-commerce, which accounts for 35 to 40% of the sector's turnover.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors identified in the 1990s and involved in regulating many physiological functions. Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not attach directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors; it modulates their activity indirectly and acts on other biological targets (5-HT1A serotonin receptors, TRPV1 receptors, the FAAH enzyme).

The clinical trials available to date remain for the most part low-powered or not replicated in double blind. No French authority (ANSM, HAS, [ANSES](https://www.[anses](https://www.anses.fr/sites/default/files/NUT2024SA0040.pdf).fr/fr/system/files/press-2025-08.pdf)) or European authority (EFSA) has validated a health claim for wellbeing CBD: legally, therefore, it cannot be presented as a product that "relieves", "treats" or "cures". Only Epidyolex®, a hospital medicine based on purified CBD, holds a marketing authorisation in France, and only for certain rare epilepsies.

Three elements shape the status of CBD in France as of mid-2026.

• Flowers, leaves, resins, oils for cosmetic use: authorised subject to variety and to the 0.30% THC threshold in the finished product.
• CBD food supplements and drinks: since 15 May 2026, the Directorate General for Food (DGAL) has strictly applied the Novel Food regulation. Ingested products without European authorisation are withdrawn from the market.
• Synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, H4CBD, THCP, HHCO, delta-8 and others): classified as narcotics by ANSM orders of June 2023 and June 2024. Prohibited.

On 9 February 2026 the EFSA published an extremely low provisionally safe daily dose (0.0275 mg/kg of body weight per day, or roughly 2 mg/day for a 70 kg adult), which applies to food supplements.

CBD remains not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women, for minors and for people on medical treatment (possible interactions with certain medicines, notably anticoagulants, antiepileptics and immunosuppressants). Medical advice is recommended before any regular use.

Consuming CBD, even when legally sold, may result in a positive THC saliva test (Cour de cassation, 21 June 2023, no. 22-85.530). It is therefore better not to drive in the hours following a dose.

CBD is not a medicine. If you have medical symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.

• CBD is one of the main cannabinoids in hemp, and is non-psychoactive.
• Sale authorised in France if THC is at or below 0.30% in the finished product (Conseil d'État ruling of 29 December 2022).
• No therapeutic claim is authorised: use is strictly for wellbeing.
• Ingested products (supplements, gummies, infusions) withdrawn since 15 May 2026 without Novel Food authorisation.
• Not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women, minors and people on medical treatment.

• Conseil d'État, interim order, 24 Jan. 2022, no. 460055 — primary
• ANSES — Press release of 19 June 2025 on the reprotoxic classification of CBD (PDF) — primary
• ANSES — Opinion, referral no. 2024-SA-0040 — primary