Is the CBD market booming?
10% of consumers won over in France
According to a study conducted by the Grand View Research Observatory, more than 10% of French people, or 6 million people, already consume CBD on a regular basis.
Although it is true that this statistic is well below the European average, estimated at 16%, it should be remembered that France has always had a wary view of cannabidiol , and that the legalization of its consumption and even more so of its sale only happened late.
This mistrust stems from the fact that CBD (cannabidiol) is often confused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another cannabinoid found in hemp plants. THC is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects and is considered a drug. As such, THC is illegal in France, while CBD is 100% legal.
These figures will therefore have to be revised upwards as time passes, and the product is less and less demonized.
A majority of men
Studies also show that over 70% of CBD consumers in France are men. This statistic highlights the disinterest many women have in the product, something that retailers should consider when developing their marketing strategies.
A market worth more than a billion euros!
Other studies, focusing on the benefits that the CBD market could bring to France if it were to become more popular and be subject to less rigorous legislation, have put forward a figure of one and a half billion euros in turnover!
A statistic that should not leave the government as skeptical as usual.
But it is true that these figures must be taken with a grain of salt because the future of the market is still unknown, and forecasts are sometimes very far apart from one study to another.
Regardless, the European market currently stands at €475 million, representing 32% of the global market. The market's expansion in 2021 is a phenomenon that occurred following the Covid-19 health crisis.
It should be noted, however, that CBD is still subject to strict restrictions, is becoming increasingly popular, and that a simple legislative revision could cause this figure to explode in the coming years.
Forecasts for 2025 predict a market worth more than 2.5 billion euros.
French law remains vague on the subject
Even though France has legalized the consumption and then the sale of CBD-based products, its legislation remains unclear, especially with regard to sellers and producers, to the point that we do not always know if we are within the framework of the law when we open a store or start producing CBD .
This ambiguity strongly discourages people wishing to invest in CBD, who end up throwing in the towel for the most part, faced with the difficulties encountered.
For the cannabidiol market to flourish one day, it is imperative to take control of the issue as quickly as possible and put an end to this legal complexity.
For the time being, things are still not moving forward, although some hints of change seem to be gradually emerging and gaining momentum.
Only hemp fiber and seeds are allowed.
This is a typical example of the legal uncertainty surrounding CBD in France. It is strictly forbidden to commercialize or industrialize hemp leaves. Only the seeds and fibers of the plant are authorized for use, which severely limits the possibilities for extracting CBD, and the country is forced to purchase it from abroad.
This law, if left unchanged, will continue to stagnate the CBD market in the country to the benefit of countries like Italy, which is the European leader in this field.
Update: Since the beginning of 2022, the sale of CBD flowers has been officially authorized .
THC threshold could increase from 0.2 to 0.3%
Currently, CBD products must contain a THC level of 0,3% or less to be legally marketed in France and Europe. This standard has taken its toll on producers, who are struggling to make a profit under its regulations.
Maintaining such low THC levels is a relatively complicated operation and severely limits the available hemp varieties. Raising the THC threshold to 0.3% could greatly improve the situation for these producers and, consequently, allow for greater market fluidity.
This threshold change, planned for 2023, remains only a hypothesis, as it must be negotiated between EU member countries to be ratified.
Update: Since the beginning of 2022, the authorized THC level has increased to 0.3%.
It is forbidden to refer to CBD as a medical or therapeutic solution.
Further evidence of France's wary view of the cannabidiol molecule is this law that prohibits producers and sellers from promoting the therapeutic benefits it can provide.
However, many of CBD's positive effects have been supported by extensive scientific research, such as its pain-relieving and anti-stress effects.
While it's not illegal to talk about the benefits of CBD, presenting it as a miracle cure or medicinal treatment is prohibited. Furthermore, all advertisements for CBD must not conflate it with recreational cannabis (THC).
Why consume CBD?
Although CBD has grown in popularity over the past few years, many people are still unaware of the benefits it can have on the body, which is why we invite you to discover them here.
A recognized relaxing effect
The main effect of CBD that most people experience, and which is recognized and supported by numerous scientific studies, is that of relaxation.
Cannabidiol, at a certain dose, generally relaxes the body's muscles and provides a calming effect. This results in a reduction of stress and anxiety in the user.
In the case of chronic stress and anxiety, CBD can indeed be a valuable ally.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Like all cannabinoids, CBD has remarkable anti-inflammatory action.
This is why you'll find many professional athletes , especially combat sports enthusiasts, who claim to regularly consume CBD (most often in the form of oil). The substance has proven particularly effective in treating joint pain.
A positive action on the immune system
Scientific research has also demonstrated CBD's positive effect on the immune system . By protecting the body from oxidative stress, it helps rebalance the immune system, which is equipped with sensors for the cannabinoids we consume every day.
A clear improvement in skin quality
You will find many CBD products in the form of essential oils to apply to the skin, or in the form of shampoos.
This is because this molecule acts positively on skin health, notably by regulating the sebum produced by your body's sebaceous glands. It is therefore particularly effective for the treatment of acne, but also other dermatological pathologies, such as eczema, psoriasis, etc.
Please note, however, that CBD is not intended to replace any medical treatment for an illness! This substance remains a supplement that can help you feel better by improving your quality of life.
What is the future of CBD in France?
To answer the main question of this article, we can say with certainty that: yes, the CBD market is booming in France and it has enormous potential for the future.
Today, France is the leading European producer, with over 18,000 hectares dedicated to hemp cultivation. There are over 2,000 physical stores in the country, not to mention the ever-growing number of online stores.
In 2021, two-thirds of physical stores opened. This figure speaks volumes about the expansion of the post-pandemic CBD market and what's next.
Furthermore, scientific studies are multiplying and CBD consumption is becoming more widespread. The more people are educated about CBD, the greater its consumption will be.
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