Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the principal cannabinoids found in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Non-psychotropic and not classified as a narcotic under EU law (CJEU Kanavape ruling, 19 Nov 2020), CBD has driven a global commercial boom since 2018 — oils, flowers, infusions, cosmetics. In France, cultivation and commercialization are authorized under strict conditions (THC ≤ 0.3 % in the plant).

Definition

Cannabidiol — abbreviated CBD — is a chemical compound belonging to the cannabinoid family, found in significant quantities in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Alongside tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is one of the two most studied cannabinoids. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychotropic.

CBD was first isolated in 1940 by Roger Adams, and its structure was elucidated in 1963 by Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Legal status

European Union

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruling in the Kanavape case (19 November 2020, C-663/18) established that CBD is not a narcotic under EU law, and that Member States cannot prohibit its commercialization solely based on its origin.

France

The French framework rests on:

The Arrêté of 30 December 2021, which authorizes the cultivation, importation and commercialization of hemp products with THC content not exceeding 0.3 % in the plant;
The Conseil d'État decision of 29 December 2022, suspending the ban on the sale of CBD flowers and leaves.

Isolated or purified CBD is subject to the EU Novel Food regulation ((EU) 2015/2283) when commercialized as food.

United States

The FDA approved in June 2018 the medication Epidiolex, a purified CBD indicated for two rare and severe forms of childhood epilepsy (Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). It was the first cannabis-derived cannabinoid medication approved by the FDA.

Pharmacological profile

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a Critical Review in June 2018 concluding that:

CBD shows no abuse potential and no dependence;
Its safety profile is good in humans;
It is not associated with effects indicating recreational use.

CBD interacts indirectly with the endocannabinoid system, without binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors with the same affinity as THC.

Important note. This article is documentary in scope. Therapeutic uses of CBD are subject to ongoing research, but are only authorized in France through the medication Epidyolex (rare epilepsies). CBD sold in France outside prescription is marketed as a food supplement, cosmetic, or wellness product, without therapeutic claims. Consult a healthcare professional before any use.

Commercial forms

In France, CBD is commercialized in:

Sublingual oils (various CBD percentages);
Flowers and resins (authorized since the Conseil d'État decision of 2022);
Infusions and teas;
Cosmetics (creams, balms);
E-liquids for vaping;
Food products: bars, chocolates, honey, etc. (subject to the 2026 DGAL control plan — see dedicated article).

French production

The French hemp-for-actives industry (CBD, CBG and other non-narcotic cannabinoids) counts approximately 1,200 hemp farmers with revenue of about €360 million in 2025 (source AFPC, 2026).