Can you grow CBD at home in France?

CBD is a cannabinoid with numerous health benefits. Its many virtues are proven by specific scientific research. Having no psychoactive effects, the natural product is therefore recognized as beneficial. Several European countries, including France, authorize the sale and consumption of cannabidiol. But can you grow CBD at home in France? Find elements of an answer to this question in this article.

The Specifics of CBD

CBD is recognized and sought after for its many proven health benefits. Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not have a psychoactive effect. Its properties make it a truly beneficial natural product for humans.

American researchers isolated CBD from a hemp extract in 1940. However, they stated that the substance is toxic. 

In 1963, Raphael Mechoulam, a scientist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, revealed the precise composition of CBD. This breakthrough opened the door to experiments and scientific observations on the pharmacological properties of the cannabinoid.

The first scientific study demonstrating the therapeutic effects of CBD on the body took place in 1973. The team of Brazilian scientists notably demonstrated that Cannabidiol calms the convulsions that occur during an epileptic seizure.

The Health Benefits of CBD

Since then, various research studies on the effects of CBD in the body have multiplied. To date, scientific trials have helped prove that CBD is a:

• pain reliever ;
• anti-inflammatory ;
• anti-stress and anti-anxiety;
• antiemetic;
• sleep regulator;
• antibacterial ;
• antifungal.

Scientific trials demonstrate that the CBD molecule may also help inhibit the development of cancerous tumors. 

Research is still ongoing to reveal other therapeutic properties of CBD.

Is it legal to grow CBD at home in France?

French law prohibits the cultivation of cannabis. The legislation provides for a fine of up to 7,5 million Euros and imprisonment for 30 years.

However, an exception applies to the cultivation of certain varieties of cannabis. French law authorizes the cultivation of hemp whose tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content does not exceed 0,3 %. Therefore, the cultivation of hemp plants, particularly Cannabis Sativa L., is permitted in France. It should be noted, however, that specific legal provisions govern the cultivation of CBD hemp in France. The decrees relating to the cultivation of Cannabis Sativa L. in France have undergone significant changes over the years.

Regulations for growing CBD in France until 2008

The Legislation of 22 August 1990 stipulates the permission to cultivate Cannabis Sativa L. for the exploitation of fibers and seeds. The use of CBD flowers and CBD leaves was prohibited.

The decree of 21 February 2008 additionally imposes a limit on the THC level in the hemp plant at 0,2 %. This legal threshold was applied in France. The European Union authorizes a maximum limit of 0,3 % THC in Cannabis Sativa L. plants intended for exploitation.

French Law on Growing CBD until 2023

According to the decree of 23 July 2018 from the French Ministry of Justice, the legal limit for the THC level is 0,3 % for hemp plants. Derived products had to show no trace of THC.

In January 2022, the French authorities suspended the law prohibiting the exploitation of CBD flowers and leaves. These extracts of Cannabis Sativa L. are now authorized for exploitation and consumption throughout France.

On 29 December 2022, the Council of State officially announced the legalization of CBD. Thus, French law authorizes the exploitation of all CBD extracts and derived products with a THC content below 0,3 %. 

How to grow CBD indoors and outdoors?

French law permits growing CBD at home. You can choose between indoor cultivation, outdoor cultivation, and greenhouse cultivation.

Growing CBD at home indoors

For your indoor CBD cultivation, you will need:

• a grow tent or grow room;
• a horticultural lamp such as LED, CFL, HPS, or MH;
• a suitable pot;
• an air extractor;
• a fan;
• potting soil;
• ideally organic fertilizer.

Place the Cannabis Sativa L. seeds in the well-potted soil. Cover with fertilizer. Install the pot in the grow tent. Adjust the lighting and ventilation to create an environment conducive to the growth of CBD hemp plants. Regular watering helps optimize the quality and quantity of the harvest. As an indication, one Cannabis Sativa L. seed can yield approximately 600 g of dried material.

Growing CBD at home outdoors

First, germinate the Cannabis Sativa L. seed in a pot indoors. Meanwhile, prepare the soil outside. To do this, work the soil and add fertilizer, preferably organic. Once the Cannabis Sativa L. seed has germinated well and the season is favorable for plant growth, transplant the CBD plant into the pre-prepared soil. Planting in spring generally yields a good harvest in autumn.

Growing CBD at home in a greenhouse

Greenhouse cultivation allows you to start growing in all seasons, unlike outdoor cultivation, which requires specific weather conditions. The greenhouse offers a privileged environment for the growth of CBD hemp plants.

Plant the Cannabis Sativa L. seeds in prepared soil sprinkled with organic fertilizer. Water regularly to obtain quality harvests. 

Get quality Cannabis Sativa L. seeds with a THC level below 0,3 %.

A good harvest and well-mastered techniques will allow you to have your own CBD products: oil, infusion, food. You can even venture into making CBD products not yet available on the market for your own consumption for therapeutic purposes and well-being.

No legislation prohibits the private cultivation of hemp. French law concerning hemp cultivation applies to professional farmers and growers of hemp for personal use. Yes! French law authorizes growing CBD with a THC content below 0,2 % at home.