CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule that's extracted from the cannabis plant, which is increasingly used for its therapeutic properties. The beneficial effects of this molecule set it apart from THC, so the legislation surrounding these two products is very different.
As you know, THC is a psychoactive substance that acts on the brain, and is totally illegal in France. On the other hand, CBD is legal and can be found in some electronic cigarette e-liquids.
However, cannabidiol is tightly regulated, so you're sure of vaping a stable and harmless molecule every time.
Don't worry, we've combed through all the complex legalities and come up with the following information to make things simpler for you!
Understand the legality surrounding CBD !
Why do CBD and THC have a different legal framework?
First of all, it's important to understand that CBD and THC are two molecules that come from the cannabis plant. It's because of this commonality that the legislation surrounding CBD is so complicated, as the sale, production and consumption of cannabis is forbidden in France and many other countries.
However, if cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two similar cannabinoids on a molecular level, their atomic structure is slightly different, and that's what makes all the difference.
It's what gives CBD and THC very different and conflicting effects.
THC is known for its psychoactive and addictive effects that impact the brain. Therefore, the health authorities class it as a drug and make it illegal, at least in France.
CBD, on the other hand, doesn't have any psychoactive effects since it doesn't impact the same brain receptors THC does. Indeed, CBD has anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and relaxing properties. Moreover, some studies show that it has an interesting effect on dependencies and addictions. Thus, CBD seems to have a beneficial effect on the body. It can help you relax, reduce stress and pain, but also help you get rid of your nicotine addiction.
In addition, CBD isn't an addictive substance and doesn't have any side effects that could put you at risk.
That's why the law regarding cannabis plants, and CBD in particular, has somewhat changed in recent years. This specific molecule can now be used legally, but within a very strict framework.
We remind you that CBD is not a drug and cannot replace medical treatments, under any circumstances. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Vaping CBD e-liquids: under which conditions?
If the CBD molecule is extracted from cannabis, recent studies have shown that once it's isolated, cannabidiol has very interesting properties.
This is why a special authorisation has been granted for the marketing and consumption of CBD. Therefore, it's completely legal to vape CBD, but there are still certain legal conditions that you have to take into account, at least in France:
- The hemp plant must contain less than 0.2% THC.
In order to be legal, the cannabis plant used to extract CBD from must contain less than 0.2% THC. Therefore, the seeds used to grow the plant must be certified compliant.
On the other hand, the end products cannot contain any THC whatsoever. That's why all of our CBD e-liquids are free from THC!
There are two ways of extracting CBD from cannabis, namely solvent extraction or supercritical CO2 extraction.
Solvent extraction often requires chemicals. They are very effective at extracting cannabinoids from the hemp plant. However, these solvents can leave residues or traces after the process is complete, and they cannot be removed.
Supercritical CO2 extraction, for its part, is much more technical and complex than the previous method. It does produce a pure CBD, though, without any trace of THC or other chemical substances.
- CBD must imperatively come from registered hemp plants.
In France, you can legally grow 9 different types of hemp. You can find them in the French Public Health Code.
- Only the seeds and fibres can be used.
The law allows you to use the cannabis plant's fibres and seeds under certain conditions. In France, it is forbidden to use the hemp's flower.
Thus, only the seeds are used to make your e-liquids. They're transformed into crystals first, before being diluted into a liquid form.
What you need to remember about the CBD e-liquid exemption
Following the recent abundance of CBD products on the French market, a workgroup led by the MILDECA (Mission Interministérielle de Lutte contre les Drogues et les Conduites Addictives) has published a report that clarifies the legal situation surrounding cannabidiol.
Here's a recap of the key regulations you must remember:
- The types of hemp that are authorised for industrial and commercial use appear on an amendment of the decree of the 22nd of August 1990 implementing article R. 5132-86.
- Only the seeds and fibres can be used. The use of the hemp's flowers is prohibited.
- The plant must contain less than 0.2% THC.
- There cannot be any THC in electronic cigarette e-liquids, regardless of its content.
- Selling and vaping e-liquids with CBD in them is allowed if it respects the current legal framework.