Adaptogenic mushrooms without CBD: what the French framework allows

The so-called functional mushrooms — reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), chaga or maitake — have been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. In France the segment took off from 2020 onwards, driven by the search for natural answers to stress and fatigue.

Many ranges now combine CBD and mushrooms in a single product. Yet, from the French legal standpoint, that combination piles up the difficulties: ingested CBD has been restricted since May 2026 (see our article on tart cherry and CBD), while mushrooms follow a separate Novel Food regime of their own.

The European regulation 2015/2283 requires that a food little consumed in the EU before 15 May 1997 be authorised as a Novel Food before being marketed. Reishi and lion's mane have a status that varies with the preparation: modern concentrated extracts often require prior authorisation, unlike traditional fruiting-body powders.

The DGCCRF carries out regular checks across the food supplement sector as a whole. No health claim specific to an adaptogenic mushroom is entered in the European register created by regulation EC 1924/2006: wordings such as "improves memory", "reduces stress" or "anti-fatigue" are prohibited. Only factual botanical descriptions and cautious references to tradition remain permitted.

For reishi, Asian studies of often weak methodological quality suggest an effect on sleep and fatigue, with no robust meta-analysis. For lion's mane, a few small clinical trials, among them a controlled trial by Mori et al. (2009) in 30 patients, suggest some interest on cognitive scores, but the evidence remains preliminary. Cordyceps shows a signal on physical performance in Japanese studies, with limited replication.

Ashwagandha, often bundled with these ranges even though it is a root and not a mushroom, is the subject of an ANSES opinion of June 2024 advising against its use by pregnant or breastfeeding women, by minors and by people with liver conditions, following reports of adverse effects.

Every food supplement marketed in France must be notified to the DGCCRF; a serious manufacturer displays its notification number. Also check the species and the part used (for example Hericium erinaceus, fruiting body, rather than a vague "mushroom extract"), the standardisation level in beta-glucans, and the availability of a recent certificate of analysis stating the absence of heavy metals and mycotoxins. European manufacturers generally remain more exposed to inspection than imports without traceability.

CBD is not a medicine. If stress or fatigue persists, consult a healthcare professional rather than a food supplement.

Are adaptogenic mushrooms legal in France?

That depends on the species, the part used and the extraction process. Traditional preparations consumed before 1997 are generally authorised; modern concentrated extracts may fall under the Novel Food regime and require authorisation.

Which is the best adaptogenic mushroom for stress?

There is no universal answer, and no officially validated claim. The most frequently cited studies concern reishi and sleep. Always seek medical advice before regular use, especially if you are on any treatment.

Are "mushroom gummies" with CBD still sold in France?

No: food gummies containing CBD have been withdrawn from the market since 15 May 2026 under the Novel Food regulation, save for European authorisation, which no product has obtained to date.

Can adaptogenic mushrooms be combined with medication?

Not without medical advice. Interactions remain possible through liver metabolism, and reishi may potentiate anticoagulants. Caution is called for with any long-term treatment.