Hemp varieties authorized in France: official list and growing conditions

In France, hemp cultivation is legal but strictly controlled. Only varieties listed in the official catalog may be grown by professionals (farmers, processors, CBD producers). These varieties must contain less than 0.3 % of THC on the parts of the plant authorized for marketing. This list is drawn up by the’Decree of August 22, 1990 and regularly updated. It is distinct from, but complementary to european catalog of hemp varieties, which is also a benchmark in France.

Update : list verified in May 2026. Any regulatory change after this date must be verified with the GEVES or the National Federation of Hemp Producers (FNPC).

Who can grow hemp in France?

Hemp cultivation in France is for professionals only For farmers, cooperatives, processors and declared industrial producers. Private individuals may not grow hemp without prior declaration.

Mandatory conditions for professionals :

1. Use only certified seeds from varieties on the official French list or in the European catalog
2. Purchase from approved organizations including Hemp'It, a cooperative based in Maine-et-Loire, for French varieties (Futura 75, Fedora 17, Santhica 27, Santhica 70, Epsilon 68, Felina 32, Ferimon, Uso 31)
3. Declare your crop with the National Federation of Hemp Producers
4. Keep seed labels for the entire duration of cultivation: they constitute proof of legality in the event of an inspection

Legal basis : article R. 5132-86 of the French Public Health Code and Order of August 22, 1990, as amended.

THC threshold in France: 0.3 % or 0.2 %?

It's one of the most frequently asked questions in the industry: the legal THC threshold for industrial hemp in France is 0.3 %.

This threshold of 0.3 % applies to varieties registered on the French list and in the European catalog. It has been aligned with the European threshold that triggers agricultural aid under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), after having long been set at 0.2 % by European regulation n°1164/89. Member states can choose not to align themselves with this rate, like Italy with 0.6% or the Czech Republic with 1%. Crops above 0.3% are therefore not eligible for CAP aid, but this does not mean that they are illegal at European level.

La Santhica 27 is one of the few varieties with a THC content of 0 %, This makes it the reference variety for growers who want a maximum margin of safety.

List of hemp varieties authorized in France

List drawn up in accordance with the decree of August 22, 1990 and its amendments. Updated May 2026.

Note: This list concerns the French catalog only. Other varieties may be grown legally in France if they are listed in the european catalog of agricultural species.

The most popular CBD varieties in France

Among the 26 authorized varieties, some are particularly prized by wellness and CBD hemp producers:

Santhica 70 CBD: developed by INRAE (Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement), this is the variety most widely used for CBD production in France. It has a naturally high CBD content and virtually no THC, making it the benchmark for CBD flower and extract producers.

Finola Finnish autoflowering short-cycle variety, adapted to northern latitudes. Widely used for the production of seeds rich in essential fatty acids and for CBD.

Fedora 17 An early-flowering fiber variety, also used for CBD extractions in France. Marketed by HEmp'It (formerly CCPSC for Coopérative Centrale des Producteurs de Semences de Chanvre).

Futura 75 The most internationally renowned French variety, used for both fiber and CBD. Included in many European catalogs.

Muka 76 A recent variety (registered in 2023), specifically developed for the production of CBD well-being. Its CBD content is among the highest of authorized French varieties.

French list vs. European catalog: what's the difference?

Hemp growers in France can grow varieties from two sources :

1. The French list (the subject of this article): established by national decree, it lists the varieties registered in the official French catalog, managed by GEVES (Groupe d'Étude et de Contrôle des Variétés Et des Semences). These varieties are all of European origin, with a strong French bias.

2. The European catalog the common catalog of varieties of agricultural species in the EU lists all varieties authorized in member states. Any variety registered in this catalog can legally be grown in France, even if it is not on the national list. This catalog is much broader (several dozen additional varieties).

In practice : the French list is a subset of the European catalog. Professionals wishing to grow varieties not included in the French list (notably varieties with higher CBD content developed in Italy, Spain or Eastern Europe) refer directly to the European catalog.