Sativine, pure sativa French organic hemp«

Sativine is a brand of French organic hemp, grown in the Ardèche by a couple in love with the plant. Their passion nevertheless earned them a trip to the courts, which finally validated their initiative.

The origins of Sativine

Thomas and Karine met while studying Agronomy Plant Productions in September 2014, in Aix-en-Provence. Passionate about the plant world, and hemp in particular, they specialize in plant experimentation, particularly in organic agriculture, and in the production of French hemp (tops of the hemp plant) and aromatic extracts (essential oil and CBD).

With the ambition of developing an organic hemp production chain in southeastern France, in 2017 they carried out a hand-harvested hemp crop in the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, on the land of an organic farmer. After drying, the first sales of hemp «heads» are made to a professional distributor of hemp-based products.

A few weeks later, the village's judicial police raided their home after discovering images of organic hemp on social networks, convinced that they were dealing in narcotics.

Despite the supporting documents and analyses presented by Sativine, as well as the laws allowing hemp to be grown in France, the PJ sealed more than 500 kilos of organic French hemp of an ancient variety.

The seals were analyzed by an expert in toxicological analysis accredited by the French Supreme Court. French hemp was analyzed for 0.9%, 1.2% and 1.7% THC. The expert therefore concluded that the plant was a narcotic, «with heads well in excess of 0.2% THC».

Sativine appealed against the decision of the Tribunal de Grande Instance to the Court of Appeal, which held hearings in camera. Thomas and Karine submitted a brief of several hundred pages printed on hemp paper, summarizing their professional project and more theoretical elements on the legality of French hemp.

The high judges finally found in their favor against the court and the state, and returned over 500kg of hemp «heads», while emphasizing that their hemp «comes from a totally legal commercial circuit».

What's next?

Sativine has continued to grow French hemp with local certified organic farmers. In 2020, they plan to cultivate several varietal trials, including a very old European variety on the verge of extinction, with an extraordinary genetic wealth!

Sativine has just launched its online boutique www.sativine.fr to offer genuine organic French hemp. Numerous Sativine products such as infusions, edible seeds and creams will follow.