Five things to know about hemp, seen from France

Hemp grown in France is grown as industrial hemp: varieties listed in the European common catalogue, selected for their low THC content (≤ 0.30 % in the finished product under article R. 5132-86 of the Public Health Code). According to FranceAgriMer, the area under cultivation exceeds 20,000 hectares, or roughly half of European production.

This production has historically been dominated by fibres (textiles, insulation, paper) and seeds (human and animal food). The CBD sector is recent — it accounted for a marginal share of French hemp before 2020 and has been growing since without upsetting the agricultural balance of the historic sector.

Hemp has the particular feature of producing a large amount of biomass in a short cycle (4 to 5 months). This rapid growth requires few inputs: conventional French cultivation generally does without irrigation, fungicide and plant-protection products — the plant's own physiology limits pest pressure.

According to the calculations published by the Fédération nationale des producteurs de chanvre (FNPC), one hectare of hemp sequesters several tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per cycle. This carbon performance explains its growing place in crop rotations, where it also plays a role in improving soil structure thanks to its deep root system.

Hemp is often cited for its capacity for phytoremediation — a plant's ability to extract or stabilise pollutants present in a soil. Several studies have confirmed this aptitude for heavy metals (cadmium, lead, nickel) and certain hydrocarbons.

This property has a direct consequence for the consumer: traceability of origin matters. A plant grown on contaminated soil may concentrate heavy metals in its tissues. A hemp variety intended for CBD production must come from healthy soil and be tested batch by batch for pesticides and heavy metals.

French DGCCRF inspections have found several cases of imported CBD products showing heavy-metal contamination above acceptable thresholds. Favouring traced and tested hemp remains a practical recommendation.

Botanically, industrial hemp and psychoactive cannabis are the same species: Cannabis sativa L. The distinction is varietal, not botanical. The varieties listed in the European common catalogue have a very low THC content and a favourable CBD/THC ratio.

Legally, in France:

• Industrial hemp (authorised varieties, finished THC ≤ 0.30 %): cultivation, processing and sale are authorised under decree no. 2022-1631 and article R. 5132-86 of the Public Health Code.
• Flowers and leaves of industrial hemp: legal since the decision of the Conseil d'État of 29 December 2022 (no. 444887), confirmed by the Cour de cassation rulings of 14 January 2025.
• Psychoactive cannabis (non-authorised varieties, THC > 0.30 %): a narcotic within the meaning of article L.5132-7 of the Public Health Code.

The same plant, diametrically opposed legal frameworks depending on the variety.

Products derived from hemp are not all subject to the same regime:

• Hemp seeds, seed oil and seed flour: traditional European foods, freely marketed.
• Flowers and resins: legal (Conseil d'État 29 Dec. 2022), for non-food use (infusion, vaporisation, ornament).
• CBD cosmetics: authorised under regulation (EC) 1223/2009 and the European CosIng listing since 2021.
• CBD e-liquids: compliant with directive TPD 2014/40/EU.
• Ingested CBD food supplements (oils, gummies, capsules, drinks): compulsory withdrawal since 15 May 2026 by the DGAL for products without Novel Food validation under regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

This mapping is essential to understanding the current French market: the hemp sector remains largely oriented towards agriculture, industry and cosmetics, with the ingested-supplement segment undergoing restructuring.

• France is the leading European producer of industrial hemp (≈ 20,000 hectares).
• Hemp is an effective agricultural carbon sink and improves soil structure.
• Its capacity for phytoremediation calls for rigorous traceability of the soils it is grown on.
• Botanically, hemp and cannabis are the same species — the distinction is varietal.
• Ingested CBD supplements without Novel Food validation have been withdrawn from the market since 15 May 2026.

Is French hemp organic?

Part of the production is, under AB / Euro-leaf certification. Conventional hemp growing nonetheless uses few inputs, which brings its environmental profile close to that of an organic crop. Check the certification case by case.

Can you grow hemp in your garden?

Only varieties listed in the European common catalogue with a THC content ≤ 0.30 % are authorised in France, and their cultivation is regulated (a declaration to the town hall for small areas is not systematic, but the declaration to FranceAgriMer applies to commercial holdings). Outside this framework, cultivation is regarded as the production of narcotics.

What is the difference between hemp and flax for fibre?

Both fibres are European and environmentally sound. Hemp offers longer and stronger fibres, ideal for heavy textiles, rope-making and insulation. Flax offers superior textile comfort for clothing.

What is the yield of a hectare of French hemp?

Depending on varieties and practices, the average is 6 to 10 tonnes of straw per hectare, of which around 25 % is usable fibre, plus 0.8 to 1.2 tonnes of seed for dual-purpose varieties. The CBD sector mainly uses the flowering tops.

Can French hemp reach the 0.30 % THC mark?

Authorised varieties are stable below this threshold under European growing conditions. However, climatic conditions (drought, water stress) may marginally influence cannabinoid production. An analytical check at the end of harvest guarantees the compliance of the finished product.

CBD is not a medicine. To explore our selection based on traced and tested hemp, [see our catalogue](/categorie-produit).

• Conseil d'État, interim order, 24 Jan. 2022, no. 460055 — primary
• Xerfi — The CBD market in France (DIS104, updated 2024-2025) — secondary (paid report, figures relayed by the press)
• Xerfi via Revue des Tabacs — "+50 % in 2023" — secondary