For its part, the Union of Industrialists for the Valorization of Hemp Extracts (UIVEC), a union that defends CBD derivatives but not the marketing of flowers or leaves, welcomes “a first step in the right direction”, as declared by its president Ludovic Rachou. Farid Ghehiouèche, co-founder of Cannabis Sans Frontières, defends a model based on “self-production of hemp” and the possibility for growers/consumers to meet in associative structures such as the “Cannabis Social Club” as in Spain. According to him, legalization would have the positive consequence of controlling the quality of the product sold. “Synthetic substances are a real danger; They have a very strong psychotropic effect” and the current ban “allows the circulation of adulterated, overdosed, inferior and therefore dangerous products”. The Union of Industrialists for the Valorization of Hemp Extracts (UIVEC) claims that the CBD market represents about one billion euros per year. This estimate takes into account the entire value chain, from cultivation to marketing. By 2026, the global cannabidiol market will reach $17 billion. That`s what research firm Deloitte predicts. The decree put an end to this situation and allowed the cultivation and use of the hemp plant in its entirety for processed products such as CBD oils. In fact, lawmakers rely on hemp flowers and leaves to be dangerous. The worst part is that CBD comes from flowers and leaves, i.e. the illegal part of the plant. It also has a THC content of more than 0.3%, the legal limit in Europe.
In France, unless exceptionally waived, only industrial hemp varieties with a THC content of less than 0.2% may be authorised[6]. About twenty varieties unsuitable for the production of psychotropic drugs are therefore suitable for industrial cultivation 7 . However, considered in isolation (regardless of the plant that naturally contains it), delta-9-THC is legal, as stipulated in Article R.5132-86 of the Health Code[8], which does not mention that it is a product whose consumption is intrinsically incompatible with driving a vehicle (and whose consumption can be controlled by the traffic police). A decision that, although expected, makes the majority of industry players jump. The Professional Union of Hemp (SPC), the Union of CBD Professionals (UPCBD) and the French Association of Cannabinoid Producers (AFPC) have announced that they will attack this decree next week, including through summary liberty and suspension. The France has just published a draft regulation with the European Commission that plans to expand the use of the hemp plant and in particular to legalize cannabidio (CBD) oils. So far, no official text has authorized the marketing of hemp, except in textile or cosmetic form. However, CBD has been tolerated since November 19, 2020 and the opinion of the European Commission in the “Kanavape” case.
There are hundreds of specialty shops. Similarly, many tobacconists sell e-liquids containing cannabidiol. Supermarkets like Monoprix have adopted it. TV spots follow the 8 p.m. news. CBD oil, known for its relaxing properties, is about to become more democratic. In short, it is a real success for the well-being of hemp! For 2022, significant progress will be made in terms of cannabis legalization, in the land of any repression, encouraged by a favorable international environment. The legal framework for the sale and consumption of CBD, a cannabinoid derived from hemp, is constantly evolving, at the cost of a merciless legal battle between industry professionals and the government. And if the legalization of recreational cannabis is not for tomorrow, the lines are changing! The text, on which the Commission and the Member States must issue a detailed opinion within three months, also provides that “the authorisation for the cultivation, import, export, industrial and commercial use of hemp is extended, under certain conditions, to all parts of the hemp plant”. Thousands of jobs have been created since CBD arrived in France. Economically, the market weighs heavily, while we are still in our infancy. In 2021 alone, there will be over 2,000 CBD retailers, over 600 hemp growers, and hundreds of new businesses.
The ban on the sale of flowers and leaves is tantamount to condemning them. In addition, it represents between 50 and 70% of their turnover. They have full legality vis-à-vis European law. Almost all French villages grew hemp (originally from India) in the past. It provided a strong fiber from which we made bags, tarpaulins. There was a Chanvrière everywhere. But those who slept near this culture often experienced dizziness, glare? etc. cf; « plantes médicinales indigènes et acclimatées de F J CAZIN Edition ASSELIN Paris 1876.
The Health Department`s decision was motivated by one thing: hemp is a narcotic. It is therefore illegal. It must be remembered that according to the law, a product is considered a narcotic if it is proven to be addictive and harmful. Thus, the decree of 31 December 2021 was taken into account, taking into account the risks and avoiding a public health problem.