Mildeca wants to regulate CBD hemp production by June

It's a negotiation that takes place behind the scenes. The Interministerial Task Force on Combating Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (Mildeca), which is currently working on revising the 1990 decree governing hemp production, met with French hemp producers. The goal is to amend the law before June to allow them to harvest Cannabis flowers—a potential first step toward the production of CBD in France. A small revolution in a country that imports nearly all of this substance, which has soothing properties.

Until now, the decree of August 22, 1990, was performed by Mildeca as a restriction on the harvesting and processing of hemp flowers. «The cultivation, importation, exportation, and industrial and commercial use (fibers and seeds) of Cannabis sativa L. varieties that meet the following criteria are authorized: the THC content of these varieties does not exceed 0.20 %.», as stated in the text. The recent Kanavape ruling has, however, clarified the matter and authorized the sale of products containing CBD extracted from flowers, even though the production of CBD is prohibited in France.

The Parenthesis «(fiber and seeds)» is essential. Under this decree, hemp farmers are now required to discard the flowers after harvest. And it is precisely the flowers that contain the cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. It is therefore essential for creating CBD-based products, 100% has been legal in France since the «Kannavape» ruling» provided that the CBD was extracted abroad.

Mildeca, which operates under the authority of the Prime Minister, is currently seeking to «Ensuring safety from production to the marketing of CBD», explains Nathalie Fichaux. The director of the hemp industry association, who was reached by Newsweed, has participated in several meetings with Mildeca.

Producing CBD in France?

«First, in the first half of 2021, there will be a potential authorization to harvest. Next, they want to coordinate with the European Union, particularly regarding the permitted THC levels in products. That could take months, or even longer.», ," continues Nathalie Fichaux.

However, it is not yet clear whether hemp growers will be allowed to harvest the flowers. «I don't think Mildeca will allow it.", says the director of the interprofessional organization. »The flower raises the issue of cannabis. So she'll surely propose something else."

Nathalie Fichaux also advises farmers who are interested in getting into CBD hemp production—drawn by the potential market opportunities—to wait for clear regulations with tangible market prospects, lest they face criminal or financial risks.

Authorization for the flower would indeed make it possible to produce CBD in France. «It's important to have a French supply chain, because in France we have higher standards for quality and traceability than some CBD products from countries that export to France, such as the United States or China.», says Aurélien Delecroix, president of the Professional Hemp Association, with regret.

As far as he's concerned, «We’re facing a deteriorating economic situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any new, emerging sector—as long as it respects public health—should be able to receive support from the authorities. On top of that, we manufacture in France, and this is an activity that cannot be outsourced.»