The essentials in 30 seconds: CBD is legal in France. The central rule comes down to a single number: products must come from hemp varieties containing no more than 0.3% THC. Sales are restricted to adults, therapeutic claims are banned, and you should never drive after use — roadside saliva tests pick up traces of THC.

The framework: what the rules say

CBD (cannabidiol) is not a controlled substance: unlike THC, it does not appear on the list of prohibited substances. French regulations, aligned with EU law, allow the sale of products derived from hemp varieties whose THC content does not exceed 0.3%.

The turning point: in late 2022, France's Conseil d'État overturned the ban on selling raw CBD flowers and leaves, ruling that, at the authorised THC levels, they cannot be classed as controlled substances. Since then, flowers, resins, oils and infusions have been sold legally in France, both in shops and online.

What a serious seller has to do

A compliant CBD website must:

  • check that its customers are adults (18 or over);
  • guarantee THC ≤ 0.3% on every product, backed up by lab analyses;
  • make no therapeutic claims — CBD is not a medicine, and presenting it as one is illegal;
  • make sure its batches are traceable.

That's exactly the framework we apply at High District: every batch is analysed by an independent laboratory, and our product pages never promise what the law forbids anyone to promise.

CBD and driving: the rule you absolutely need to know

This is the most important point in practice: don't drive after using CBD, especially flowers or resins. Legal products can contain traces of THC (below 0.3%), and French roadside saliva tests detect THC with no minimum threshold. A positive test exposes you to the same penalties as driving under the influence of controlled substances, even if the product was bought legally.

Buying CBD online: the right reflexes

Go for sites that clearly display their legal identity (company name, SIREN number, full legal notice), make their lab analyses available, keep minors out and spell out their delivery policy. An unusually low price or missing legal information should set alarm bells ringing.

FAQ

Is CBD legal in France?

Yes. CBD products are legal as long as they come from authorised hemp varieties and their THC content does not exceed 0.3%. Sales are restricted to adults.

Can you buy CBD flowers legally in France?

Yes. Since the Conseil d'État's decision of December 2022, the sale of raw CBD flowers and leaves has been authorised in France, within the 0.3% THC limit.

Can you drive after using CBD?

No — it's strongly discouraged. Legal CBD products can contain traces of THC that show up on roadside saliva tests, which in France allow no tolerance threshold. Wait several hours — or simply don't drive.

Can CBD be sold as a medicine?

No. In France, a CBD product sold commercially cannot claim any therapeutic properties. Only medicines authorised by the health authorities can do that.

Do you have to be an adult to buy CBD?

Yes. In France, CBD products may only be sold to people aged 18 and over.