France will ban the sale of cannabidiol (CBD) edibles from May 15, while still allowing it to be sold to be smoked, AFP learnt from several sources on Thursday.
CBD is a non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant that is touted by its users as reducing pain, stress, anxiety and inflammation.
Contacted by AFP, the Directorate General for Food (DGAL) did not respond immediately, but the government is expected to issue a statement in the coming days, the Ministry of Agriculture said.
“We find this completely absurd,” said Paul Maclean, a representative of the UPCBD trade association which links together industry players.
“Going after all of it is one thing, but just going after edibles makes absolutely no sense,” he added.
CBD edibles account for about 40 percent of sales in the specialised shops that have cropped up in cities and towns across France, according to Maclean.
The ban could put hundreds of growers and some 2,000 shops out of business, he warned.
The move will be made under a 1997 EU food safety regulation, according to the sources, which requires approval for products not traditionally eaten in the bloc.
According to the trade association and a union representing farmers, CBD edibles have not received approval.
Maclean said the DGAL had tolerated CBD edibles under certain conditions, but last month announced to industry players it would no longer do so from May 15.
He said the industry believes the French authorities are not required to apply the EU regulation in this manner and is considering an appeal.
