Direction Générale de la Santé provides an update on the status of CBD in pharmacies

With more than 20,000 pharmacies in France, the pharmacy network represents a significant market for CBD-based wellness products. Given the growing presence of these products on pharmacy shelves—and even at the counter—the General Directorate of Health (DGS) felt it was important to clarify the status of these products in pharmacies.

Summary of the Law

The DGS points out, first and foremost, that the law on CBD in France is now based on the’order of December 30, 2021 suspended in part on January 24, 2022. The text protects the cultivation of hemp for CBD production and its processing by 'active farmers» and designated manufacturers.

She then points out the categories of CBD-containing products that are permitted or prohibited, which, for pharmacies, must also be included in the list of permitted goods established by the’Decree of February 15, 2002.

According to the DGS, the following are therefore permitted:

• cosmetics containing cannabidiol and other ingredients listed in the European Cosmetics Regulation (CosIng). For the sake of completeness, we should add that the Cannabigerol is therefore also permitted, just like seed extracts and leaves
• food products made from hemp seeds and hemp fiber
• vaping products such as e-liquid or vape pen

The text does not specify whether hemp flowers included in herbal teas (as part of a blend) can be sold in pharmacies, but herbal teas are among the products authorized for sale in pharmacies.

As for the ban, the DGS, based on the MILDECA's bill of materials , therefore warns that:

• Smoking flowers are prohibited in pharmacies
• pet food containing CBD
• CBD oils or dietary supplements containing CBD that have not been approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in accordance with regulations Novel Food

Does this mean that once Novel Food certifications have been approved for certain extracts, CBD oils would be permitted for sale in pharmacies?

The Order of Pharmacists, which we contacted, explained to us that the DGS’s current position—which, incidentally, does not have the force of law—does not preclude «potential future regulations» regarding CBD. This implies that once the Novel Food issue is resolved, other obstacles could arise for CBD brands seeking to sell their oils and dietary supplements in pharmacies.

The fact remains that CBD products—including oils and dietary supplements—are already available in pharmacies, and that’once again on this subject, the «current» figures are already outdated compared to the reality on the ground.