La Réunion: CBD zamal caught up in the patrol

On the island of Réunion, until today, «zamal» was available over the counter at gas stations. The zamal is the Réunionese name and originally referred to varieties endemic to the island.

The CBD zamal was packaged in small black pouches and sold locally, with cashiers assuring customers that it was completely legal.

After a survey from Zinfos974, It turns out that the packages contained about 4 grams of cannabis flowers (also known as «buds»). The products were of Swiss origin and contained a very low THC content—less than 0.2%—and were therefore compliant with French law; they also contained CBD in larger quantities.

The article from the Zinfos974 alerted law enforcement to the sale of this product. The manager of the gas station that was selling Zamal was quickly arrested and was taken into police custody today, and his entire stock of CBD was seized by the BAC (Anti-Crime Brigade).

Other police units were also deployed, including the Community Intervention, Aid, and Assistance Service (SIAAP) and the Administrative Police Unit, to inspect the facility, as well as the Departmental Intervention Company to secure the premises.

The manager faces serious consequences, as he could be prosecuted under Article 222-34 of the Penal Code for the importation, transportation, possession, offering, transfer, or unlawful acquisition of narcotics.

In mainland France, stores selling CBD cannabis that have been raided and subsequently prosecuted see more acquittals than convictions, very often because judges find that the products complied with French and European law.

The recently announced fact-finding mission should eventually clear up this regulatory uncertainty and finally authorize and regulate the sale of CBD in all its forms.

Update on 12/10: the justice system finally ordered for customs officials to return the CBD packets to the shelves.