France: MPs call for a fact-finding mission on cannabis well-being

Five French MPs, led by Jean-Baptiste Moreau, MP for the Creuse region, have called for the creation of a fact-finding mission on hemp for wellness. The aim of this mission, if accepted, will be to clarify the legal status of hemp-derived consumer goods intended for the wellness market, and to encourage the establishment of clear regulations for their production. The deputies' aim is to encourage the development of the industry, in particular by authorizing the use of flowers for CBD products.

Among the signatories are a number of majority MPs: Sophie Beaudouin-Hubière (Haute-Vienne), Naïma Moutchou (Val d'Oise), Ludovic Mendes (Moselle) and a dozen others, as well as Paul Molac, MP for Morbihan and member of the Liberté et territoires group.

The unclear status of hemp-derived wellness products

Hemp wellness« refers to hemp-based food, cosmetics and other products. These include oils, e-liquids, creams, foods and dried flowers for vaporization and infusion. Their legality is still unclear despite the fact that they are produced from the same hemp that grows legally in France for other outlets (construction, textiles, etc.). In other words, they are produced from a variety of hemp listed in the European catalog and containing less than 0.2% THC. The nuance comes from the fact that they are sometimes produced from hemp flowers, which contain the famous CBD molecule.

With the growing popularity of this molecule among consumers, the number of shops specializing in this type of product has multiplied. However, entrepreneurs were soon disillusioned by the an upsurge in searches all over France. MILDECA then clarified that the use of hemp flowers was prohibited, and that the 0.2% limit applied to the plant but not to finished products, which must contain 0% of THC. This position is not justified by international conventions, nor by European law or even French domestic law.

The repression of traders, the legal uncertainty surrounding production and the confusion this causes among players are all considerably hampering the development of the industry. The MPs' initiative aims to clarify the regulatory situation for these products, and to have the flower recognized as a production material by the end of the year. This will create jobs, meet consumer demand and boost agricultural production.

MPs take up the issue of cannabis

Cannabis is increasingly the subject of debate among our elected representatives. On December 5, the question of therapeutic cannabis was raised. was addressed at the National Assembly. Regional representatives have also raised the issue on numerous occasions. On Tuesday, Breton MPs met at the Assemblée Nationale, on the initiative of Paul Molac, to discuss the development of the hemp industry in Brittany. The Breton MP invoked the logic of regionalization: «We have to stop thinking that everything comes from the top down, and let people organize themselves and develop their projects. We were promised a bottom-up approach. Listen to us, we know what we're doing.

Today, five of them have called for the formation of a mission of information: Jean-Baptiste Moreau MP for Creuse, Sophie Beaudouin-Hubières MP for Haute-Vienne, Naïma Moutchou MP for Val-d'Oise, Ludovic Mendes MP for Moselle and Paul Molac MP for Morbihan. They already have strong support in the Assembly: there are currently 16 signatories, including Sandrine Le Feur, a young farmer MP who grows hemp herself, and Jean Baptiste Djebbari, LREM's spokesman in the Assembly.

The Social Affairs, Legal Affairs and Economic Affairs commissions are all involved in this request. They will then meet with industry players and hear the views of stakeholders. At the end of the mission, a report will be issued for debate in the Assembly. The mission may also result in legislative change: «The initial idea of this fact-finding mission is to respond to the legal uncertainty and make a legislative contribution,» explains Ludovic Mendes. In view of the French situation, it would simply be a matter of influencing a change in policy to authorize the use of hemp flower.

The "filière chanvre bien-être" (hemp and well-being) union is just waiting to hear from you.

The professional association for hemp and well-being (SPCBE) aims to bring together all players in the industry to promote their common interests. For its president, Aurélien Delecroix, founder of Hello Joya brand French regulations, complex and unclear, are preventing the development of a hemp wellness sector, with non-narcotic products, which would create jobs throughout the country“. The union deplores the fact that the wellness sector is often confused with medical or recreational cannabis.

The union welcomes the MPs“ initiative, and intends to highlight the positive economic spin-offs (entrepreneurial momentum, job creation) that the development of the sector could bring. Enhancing the value of hemp flowers could also mean higher yields for farmers. What's more, consumers are already on board, and France's lag on the international market could result in massive imports of foreign products. According to Aurélien, it's »urgent to structure the industry together, in coordination with the public authorities, so as not to miss this opportunity".»

The urgency is heightened by the fact that many European countries are already investing in the market and that the European Court of Justice to rule soon on the Kanavape trial. Laure Bouguen, spokeswoman for the SPCBE, points out that French economic players are at a disadvantage in the face of foreign competition «in particular because it is impossible to use hemp flower in France. Yet France is a world leader in hemp production, and tons of flowers are destroyed every year”.

“Our entrepreneurs and start-up founders are restricted in their development, or even criminalized, and we urgently need to clarify this situation,” adds Laure. The fact-finding mission should enable us to present a clear plan to show the authorities the potential of the hemp-based wellness products sector, and demonstrate that the players in the industry are aware of the production requirements for this type of product: «We want to work hand in hand with members of parliament and the government to provide all the guarantees needed for controlled and secure development: charters, standards, clear controls - we're ready for it!” says Aurélien.