CBD products: the industry issues an ultimatum to the Ministry and threatens legal action

Yesterday, May 20, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement calling on consumers to stop buying CBD food products, «regardless of the trade».

The day after the announcement, the sector's main professional organizations denounced the decision as «scientifically inaccurate» and economically destructive. In a joint press release published on May 21, the’UIVEC, l’PSAC and the’UPCBD are calling for the immediate suspension of the government's plan, and threatening to take legal action against the State.

A contested reading of European scientific advice

At the heart of the conflict are the arguments put forward by the administration, which we have already dismantled one by one here, and, in particular, the interpretation of’EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). The Ministry had suggested that food products with CBD presented a health hazard justifying an immediate tightening of controls.

The unions point out, however, that the EFSA «has never concluded that CBD is dangerous».», but only indicated that it lacked sufficient data to definitively rule on its Novel Fodd status. In their view, this lack of conclusion cannot be equated with proof of toxicity.

The industry also points out that more than 150 Novel Food dossiers are still being assessed at European level, with none having received an unfavorable opinion based on a proven health risk. Finally, the organizations point out that several European countries already authorize these products, notably the UK, where nearly 12,000 references will be registered, as well as the Netherlands, which has authorized this market since 2014.

Synthetic cannabinoids at the heart of intoxication

Another sticking point: reports of poisoning by French health authorities. For industry representatives, the government is confusing the issue of CBD and synthetic cannabinoids.

The press release cites the following molecules in particular HHCP, HHCPO or even THCP, already singled out by the’ANSM and the’Anses in a paper published in June 2025. According to professional organizations, these synthetic substances, sometimes combined with other non-cannabinoid molecules, are the cause of the health incidents reported in recent months.

The unions believe that the 2026 control plan «precisely sanctions operators and farmers» who have complied with the regulatory framework in place since 2022, without really targeting problematic products circulating outside declared circuits.

A sector that fears a major economic shock

In addition to the health issue, the organizations warn of the immediate economic consequences for the French food industry. hemp and CBD.

According to their estimates, almost 1,200 farmers who have already sown hemp for the 2026 season could lose an essential outlet. The unions also point to a major risk for around 2,500 specialist shops, some of which generate up to 40% of their sales from CBD food products.

Pharmacies and supermarkets have also been affected by product withdrawals and stock losses, even though no «documented health risk» has been established, according to the authors of the press release.

The industry is also criticizing a decision taken «without any impact assessment» and in contradiction with the exchanges that have been underway for several years between the authorities and industry professionals. Since 2022, a declaration framework via the Compl'Alim allowed the regulated declaration of hundreds of CBD-containing products, without however granting dietary supplement status.

The government's response cannot therefore be limited to this platform alone if it wishes to regulate all CBD products, unless it opens it up to all products containing only natural cannabinoids up to 0.3 % THC.

An ultimatum to the government

Faced with what they see as a sudden turnaround, the’UIVEC, l’PSAC and the’UPCBD are now calling for the control plan to be suspended within 48 hours, and for «genuine consultation» to take place with all stakeholders. If the Ministry does not respond favorably, legal proceedings will be launched.