We offer you here, the latest information in a clear and detailed format, to understand everything about the issues raised by cannabis. Among recent topics, our news section also explains how Amazon takes a new look at cannabis.
Key notions to understand CBD and cannabis
Cannabis?
Cannabis is not only recreational cannabis. Indeed, Cannabis is a botanical genus that includes several subspecies:
- Cannabis Sativa or Industrial Hemp, is a variety of cannabis whose cultivation is booming thanks to its many applications, including of course the production of CBD (cannabidiol). To be legally cultivated, hemp must have a THC level of less than 0.3%, the legal limit in France and in the European Union.
- Cannabis Indica, or marijuana is a variety of cannabis very rich in THC, sometimes up to 30%. It is used in the production of recreational cannabis because of its psychotropic properties. This plant is illegal in most countries of the world. However, some countries have legalised it under conditions, such as Canada (2018) or Germany (2024).
- Cannabis Ruderalis : this subspecies grows in eastern Eurasia and is harvested for its fiber. It is low in THC.
CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychotropic organic molecule of the cannabinoid family. Research explores its possible effects on inflammation, anxiety, pain or nausea, mostly in preclinical studies whose results do not allow any conclusion. Only one cannabidiol-based medicine (Epidyolex) is authorised, on prescription, for certain rare epilepsies; CBD sold to the public is not a medicine.
THC
THC (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is also a member of the cannabinoid family. Discovered in 1964 by Professor Mechoulam, it has highly psychoactive properties, which are the main reason for its recreational use. Its consumption causes euphoria and reduced alertness, and can also cause anxiety. It can lead to dangerous behaviour for the user or the people around them, and regular use carries a risk of dependence. Its culture and its consumption are illegal in many countries.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are molecules with the ability to activate cannabinoid receptors present in the human body and in all other mammals. The most famous cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC, but there are more than a hundred, including CBG, CBN, CBL, etc. There are three kinds of cannabinoids:
- Endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, which are produced by the body of mammals (including humans).
- Plant cannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids, typically CBD from hemp for example.
- Synthetic cannabinoids, manufactured in a laboratory.
What is legal in France?
- In France, CBD is not a narcotic: hemp flowers and leaves with less than 0.3% THC may be sold (Conseil d'Etat, 29 December 2022, n° 444887). However, CBD is not authorised as a food in the European Union, so foods containing CBD cannot be sold, and semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC have been classified as narcotics since 3 June 2024. Rules vary from one country to another.
- Conversely, the marketing and consumption of THC is prohibited in France and in most European countries.
