The future of medical cannabis in France depends on traceability: exclusive interview with Overseed and Cannavigia

Interview with Hugues Péribère, CEO of Overseed, and Timo Bongartz, CEO of Cannavigia

France is approaching a decisive turning point in cannabis regulation. How would you describe the current state of the medical cannabis market, and what are you most excited about for what lies ahead?

Overseed France is indeed approaching an important turning point in medical cannabis regulation. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made both legislatively and regulatorily, paving the way for the integration of medical cannabis into common law. What truly sets France apart on the European stage is its unwavering commitment to ensuring that medical cannabis is treated first and foremost as a medicine, or not at all.

This means that any product intended for medical use must meet Europe's strictest pharmaceutical standards, from the initial characterization of active compounds to the meticulous compliance requirements at every stage of the manufacturing process. France not only follows the general European trend but also raises the bar higher in terms of quality, safety, and traceability.

What excites me most about the future is the high level of trust and security that this approach will bring to patients and healthcare professionals. By demanding the highest rigor and transparency, France is creating an environment conducive to innovation in the field of medical cannabis, while ensuring that patient safety remains paramount. This unique positioning could lead to the development of new therapeutic options, supported by solid clinical data and uncompromising standards.

CANNAVIGIA has supported compliance and traceability in regulated markets across Europe. From your perspective, what lessons can France learn from the early adopting countries, such as Switzerland, Portugal, or Germany?

Overseed It is always useful to draw lessons from the experience of countries that have taken the lead in regulating medical cannabis, such as Switzerland, Portugal, and Germany. Drawing inspiration from international best practices allows us to secure our approach, avoid common pitfalls, and foster an environment of continuous improvement, especially with a product like cannabis, which lies at the sensitive intersection of a controlled substance and, potentially, a medicine or a consumer good.

In particular, the expertise developed by CANNAVIGIA and its recognition by Swiss authorities as a reference solution for traceability throughout the production process, from plant cultivation to the finished product, were decisive in our decision to adopt this software. Such a traceability system not only ensures rigorous monitoring but also guarantees that each step adheres to strict safety and quality standards.

CANNAVIGIA France is not just legalizing medical cannabis; it's making a deliberate choice about the type of system it wishes to establish. Unlike countries that have adopted flower-based models or hybrid wellness systems, France is implementing a pharmaceutical-quality framework from the outset: extracts only, distribution through pharmacies, and complete medical oversight.

This choice is complex, but also clear. It aligns cannabinoid-based medicines with the systems that patients and prescribers already trust.

What excites us is the seriousness of this approach. It's not about hype or headlines, but about long-term credibility. And while estimates vary, projections from organizations like Prohibition Partners and OFDT suggest the French medical cannabis market could reach 400 to 800 million euros by 2035, depending on access and adoption. This represents real potential, but only for those who can meet the standards.

Let's talk about compliance. Why is it such an essential element for a safe, transparent, and scalable medical cannabis system, especially in a highly regulated environment like France? 

CANNAVIGIA In the French model, compliance is not an accessory, it's a requirement. If you distribute your products through pharmacies, you are operating in a space where discrepancies, missing data, or vague documents are not tolerated.

What makes this model unique is that cannabis is not treated separately. It is meant to be treated like any other controlled drug, which involves GMP-compliant processes, validated documentation, and full traceability from raw material to finished product.

Operators who understand this will not only succeed in entering the market, but also in staying in it.

Traceability is often discussed in technical terms, but what does it mean in practical terms for patients, prescribers, and public health authorities?

Overseed Although often described in technical terms, traceability has a profound and concrete impact on these groups of people. For a drug to obtain marketing authorization, its safety and quality are not just desirable; they are mandatory and essential.

For patients, traceability means confidence that every product prescribed and consumed has met the strictest quality controls at every stage, from cultivation to distribution. This assurance translates into safer treatments, a reduced risk of adverse effects, and consistent therapeutic results.

For prescribers, robust traceability offers the transparency and documentation needed to prescribe with confidence. It ensures that the origin, composition, and manufacturing process of each product are fully documented, so healthcare professionals can make informed decisions and respond quickly to quality issues.

For public health authorities, a comprehensive traceability system is essential for regulatory oversight. It allows authorities to verify compliance with the strictest pharmaceutical standards, detect potential risks, intervene if necessary, and ultimately protect public health.

At Overseed, our commitment is to produce the best medical cannabis products that meet these highest standards. For us, traceability throughout the process is not just a «necessity,» it is an «obligation.» It is the foundation on which safety, quality, and trust are built, and it is essential for any medicine intended for legitimate medical use.

CANNAVIGIA For patients, traceability often remains invisible, but its effects are tangible: safe, consistent, and professional care.

For prescribers, this means they can have confidence in what they recommend, knowing the formulation is validated and the production process is documented. And for public health authorities, traceability offers real-time accountability, meaning they can see where, how, and when a product was manufactured and distributed.

In a pharmaceutical system like France's, this level of precision is not just an advantage. It's what allows the system to operate safely on a large scale.

For prescribers and pharmacists, how can digital systems enhance confidence in product quality, dosage accuracy, and supply chain accountability?

CANNAVIGIA Pharmacists are not mere distributors; they are healthcare professionals operating within one of the most regulated supply chains in the world. They are accustomed to batch documentation, validated shelf life, and sterile handling protocols.

If cannabis is to be treated as a medicine, the data infrastructure supporting it must meet the same requirements. A digital traceability system like CANNAVIGIA's is not just for monitoring; it also aligns with the standards these professionals already expect.

When doctors and pharmacists can see exactly what they are prescribing and dispensing, it builds the necessary confidence to integrate cannabis into routine care.

Overseed is preparing to become a key player in the medical cannabis field in France. Can you explain how this partnership between your companies came about and what challenges you are tackling together?

Overseed Our partnership with CANNAVIGIA began with the launch of our research and development program in 2022. By choosing CANNAVIGIA from the outset of our initiative, we were immediately able to benefit from their recognized expertise in traceability and compliance, a foundation who was very structuring for Overseed's approach.

As our collaboration progressed, we encountered new specific requirements, which led to the joint development of tailored solutions. This continuous dialogue not only allowed us to address operational and regulatory challenges more precisely, but also fostered genuine mutual enrichment. This partnership has been instrumental for both companies: it enabled Overseed to develop robust and transparent processes, essential for the French medical cannabis sector, while giving CANNAVIGIA the opportunity to adapt its systems to the evolving needs of the French market.

In essence, our relationship is built on shared expertise, adaptability, and a constant pursuit of excellence, which enable us to tackle challenges together and set high standards for the industry.

CANNAVIGIA Our partnership with Overseed began with a shared understanding: the French pharmaceutical model would not tolerate approximations. From the outset, it was clear that a high-performing operator would require not just a cultivation plan, but also a fully integrated compliance and traceability system, adapted to EU-GMP standards and French medical distribution.

We joined forces from the very beginning, not after the structures were in place, but during their design. Together, we focused on:

• The implementation of a digital infrastructure aligned with the operations of pharmacies and regulatory bodies
• Anticipating traceability challenges before increasing production
• Creating workflows that seamlessly connect culture, transformation, quality assurance, and batch release

It wasn't just about integrating software, but about co-creating a compliant and scalable foundation for what France is building. With strong political signals and growing demand, Overseed's early investment in structure is what will enable long-term differentiation.

How does the CANNAVIGIA platform support Overseed's operations today, and how will it evolve as production increases?

Overseed The CANNAVIGIA platform is an integral part of Overseed's operations today. It offers robust traceability at every stage of our medical cannabis production and ensures compliance with the highest quality and safety standards. As Overseed prepares to cover the entire pharmaceutical value chain and supply chain in France, the CANNAVIGIA system allows for seamless monitoring and documentation, from cultivation to distribution, promoting both operational excellence and adherence to regulatory requirements.

As our production increases, CANNAVIGIA's adaptability and comprehensive data management will remain essential. The platform will allow us to maintain complete control and transparency over our processes, regardless of production volume. This is crucial not only for meeting regulatory expectations but also for establishing and maintaining the trust of prescribers and patients from day one of market authorization and prescription.

Our ambition is great: we want to leverage our strategic geographical position and organizational structure to serve the entire French market. CANNAVIGIA's traceability solutions will allow us to efficiently manage every step of the manufacturing process, make informed decisions, and ensure complete control of information throughout the value chain. In short, using CANNAVIGIA is essential for our continued growth and for strengthening Overseed's leadership in the medical cannabis sector in France.

CANNAVIGIA Today, we provide Overseed with accurate and validated data throughout the lifecycle, from seed stock to formulation and bringing the finished product to market.

This level of granularity facilitates both operational decisions and regulatory compliance. As Overseed grows, our platform ensures process harmonization. You're not just scaling up; you're doing it without compromising standards.

This becomes particularly critical as new operators enter the market and pharmacies begin distributing products in what could become a half-billion-euro industry. The systems you choose today determine your ability to scale tomorrow.

Medical cannabis is not just about cultivation; it's an entire control chain. How does a digital traceability system like CANNAVIGIA's ensure that every step, from seed to patient, adheres to strict standards?

CANNAVIGIA In the French model, culture is just one chapter in a much longer pharmaceutical story. Once the plant is grown, it must be extracted, processed, stabilized, packaged, and finally distributed by a pharmacy, with each step being verifiable.

This is what traceability allows: a continuous and tamper-proof record of who did what, when, and under what conditions. From seed batch numbers and fertilization schedules to quality control results and distribution data, every action leaves a digital footprint.

This type of system isn't just about regulatory compliance, it's also an operational asset. It brings clarity to operators, strengthens public trust, and ensures the entire supply chain can withstand scrutiny at every step.

What role can technology play in giving French regulators confidence while allowing operators the necessary flexibility to innovate and grow?

CANNAVIGIA Technology allows for the reconciliation of control and agility. Regulators get the structure they need: clear records, batch traceability, deviation tracking. Operators have the ability to evolve, improve, and grow without having to reinvent compliance every time they change a process.

In a system where the stakes are high (public health, pharmaceutical integration, prescription-only dispensing), digital infrastructure is not optional. It is what makes innovation and regulation possible in the same space.

In your opinion, what are the key elements that remain necessary to ensure the long-term success of the French medical cannabis system?

Overseed An essential element for the long-term success of the French medical cannabis system is the official recognition of the CANNAVIGIA traceability platform by the French authorities, as is already the case in Switzerland. This step is crucial to ensure transparency, compliance, and trust throughout the sector.

CANNAVIGIA France has made the difficult choice to regulate cannabis as a medicine, and that is a strength. But the system needs support. We see three key steps to take:

1. Clear regulatory recognition of traceability platforms
2. A common data standard across the entire supply chain
3. Continuous investment in digital infrastructure by public and private actors

This is what transforms a high-potential pilot project into a scalable, long-term model.

What are the risks if compliance is treated as a mere checkbox rather than a strategic investment?

CANNAVIGIA Superficial compliance is a short-term solution, and in a pharmacy distribution model, it is a hindrance.

If your documentation is not ready for an audit, if your processes are not validated, or if your traceability breaks down at scale, it's not just your reputation that's at stake, but also your market access.

Well-executed compliance is not just protection, it’s also a performance advantage. It gives operators the structure they need to grow, adapt, and prove their quality at every turn.

What advice would you give to other French companies entering this field, especially those considering long-term credibility and differentiation?

CANNAVIGIA Start as you intend to continue. France is not building a trend-driven cannabis industry; it is designing a pharmaceutical market. This means success depends less on speed to market and more on solid foundations.

Our advice:

• Consider compliance an essential part of intellectual property, not an afterthought.
• Invest in systems that adapt to regulations, not just production.
• Establish relationships with regulators, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals from the outset.

Long-term differentiation won't come from being first, but from being prepared, structured, and aligned with what France expects from a medicine.

And don't hesitate to contact us. Companies like Overseed prove that it's possible, and CANNAVIGIA is here to help others do the same.

As a pan-European technology partner, how do you see compliance technology shaping the future of cannabis beyond France, across the patchwork of European national systems?

CANNAVIGIA The European cannabis sector is no longer a novelty; it's a regulatory challenge. Each country has its own rules, definitions, and systems. What unites them all is a simple truth: trust goes through traceability.

Compliance technology is the key to this trust. It enables transparency across borders, protects patients and consumers, and creates a common language between regulators and operators. Without it, systems remain fragmented. With it, we move towards harmonization.

In France, compliance is treated with pharmaceutical seriousness. In Germany, social clubs have strict monthly limits. In Switzerland, pilot projects are conducted under government supervision. In each case, the technology must be adapted, but the goal is the same: safety, responsibility, and public trust.

As the European market matures, the role of digital compliance platforms will be more than just supplementary: it will be central to the evolution of legal cannabis across borders.

What is your long-term vision for the French medical cannabis ecosystem, and how do you intend to set an example?

Overseed At Overseed, our vision is to address the real medical needs of patients whose lives are severely affected by treatment failure. We are committed to providing pharmaceutical-grade products, ensuring patient safety, and offering innovative products that are suitable for both patients and prescribers. Demonstrating clinical efficacy through science and improving patient access to these medications are at the core of our mission. We aim to set the standard in France by leading with excellence, relying on evidence, and focusing on significantly improving the lives of those in need.