Understanding the new CBD legislation with 0.3% THC
A few days ago, France announced that a new law would come into force concerning CBD legislation. The more restrictive legislation makes it official to ban the sale of Flowers CBD. According to the government, Flowers CBD is indistinguishable from THC-rich Flowers cannabis. For reasons of public health and safety, it was therefore impossible to continue selling them. However, a second measure came into force: the end of the 0.2% THC limit.
What is THC?
What did the old law say about THC percentages?
What does the new legislation on CBD / THC imply?
What is the impact of this decision?
What we think of the new CBD legislation
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychotropic molecule of the cannabis plant. Illegal in France, consumption of a THC-rich product is associated with intoxicating effects, as well as undesirable side effects such as nausea, cravings, red eyes and dizziness.
THC differs from CBD in that it is psychoactive. It is a narcotic molecule. CBD, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. While it promotes relaxation, CBD consumption has no undesirable effects or serious side-effects.
What did the old law say about THC percentages?
Until a few days ago, France was very clear about CBD products containing THC. To be legal, a flower of hemp, a oil of CBD or a resin or other product had to contain less than 0.2% THC.
A limit also imposed by European legislation. The idea was to limit the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive molecule of the cannabis plant, in cannabidiol products, all in the interests of preserving the integrity of those consuming this type of solution.
What do the new CBD / THC regulations mean?
However, the new CBD legislation, in addition to banning the sale of hemp flowers, raises the THC content permitted and therefore legal. Thus, a product with 0.25% THC will be perfectly legal on the French market, up to 0.3%.
The official gazette thus reads: "The cultivation, import, export and industrial and commercial use of Cannabis sativa L. varieties only, with a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of no more than 0.30%".
This means that new product ranges, richer in THC, could be launched, but also, and above all, that retailers offering in their CBD Shop solutions containing slightly more than 0.2% THC, will see the proceedings against them simply annulled.
What is the impact of this decision?
The impact of this new CBD legislation goes far beyond the commercial aspect. Let's take a look at the political and social repercussions of this new announcement.
1. Policy
Despite the apparent "good news", this announcement is causing some people to cringe. In fact, flowers from hemp generally account for 70% of a shop's sales. Will the increase from 0.2% to 0.3% THC be enough to make up the shortfall? Certainly not. According to Daniel Kruse, President of the European Industrial hemp Association, France is lagging far too far behind on the subject.
The European Union itself seems a little behind the times, since in many countries, such as Switzerland, the issue of 0.2 or 0.3% THC was settled a long time ago, and the limit was set at 1%. European products will therefore be unable to compete.
"This is a great day for the hemp sector and another step towards a greener future for Europe. However, when compared with other countries around the world, 0.3% is still a low limit. For example, Switzerland, in the heart of Europe, has a higher number, and other EU countries are already working with higher limits too". Even in Italy, a major producer of hemp, the subject has been brushed aside, with legislation authorizing CBD at 0.6% THC.
2. Economical
Going from 0.2 to 0.3% THC won't solve much. That's what many growers and retailers are saying, especially as France alone accounts for 70% of Europe'shemp production. However, it is simply forbidden to use certain parts of the hemp plant. As a result, the vast majority of hemp is discarded and unusable. While the product is of high quality, it has to be said that by staying "behind", France is shooting itself in the foot.
The only satisfaction is that, by going from 0.2% to 0.3%, hemp growers will have access to 500 new varieties of legal hemp . More choice for the consumer, even if companies willing to import this French hemp will have to be found in order to transform it, whether into oil, cosmetics or resin.
3. Societal
Buyers are looking for a quality CBD product. However, the move from 0.2% to 0.3% THC, while a significant step forward, will ultimately make little difference, especially as Flowers CBD is now banned from sale.
As a result, the customer experience is unlikely to evolve drastically. A disappointment for people who wish to buy rich, legal, healthy and organic products to treat certain pains, stress or anxiety.
4. Legal
One of the important points in this decision is that all hemp and CBD professionals who were prosecuted for failing to comply with the 0.2% THC rule will see the proceedings against them automatically dropped.
These people will therefore be able to continue selling their CBD-based solutions if, and only if, they comply with the limit imposed, this time at 0.3% THC. To do this, don't hesitate to ask for the marketing analysis certificates. These documents will provide your CBD Shop and your customers with all the necessary information concerning the production and composition of the product.
New CBD legislation: what we think about it
At LeGrossisteDuCBD.fr we offer professional CBD retailers a selection of the best products on the market. We select our hemp and CBD-based products from sworn French and European producers recognized for their expertise.
In our store, you'll find only products that are perfectly legal and authorized on the market, naturally complying with the injunctions of the new CBD legislation. These products therefore contain a maximum of 0.2 to 0.3% THC.
