Senator Détraigne wants the government to react to CBD

He has written to the government twice on this subject. The first time was in October 2019. The second one, a few days ago. Senator Yves Détraigne is addressing the issue of adulterated CBD in e-cigarettes. «In the Marne, in middle and high schools, there are kids who brag about smoking this.», laments this member of the centrist group, who received Newsweed in the Senate.

It was his parliamentary assistant who was alerted. «I have a friend who is the assistant principal at a small rural middle school in the Marne department. She told me that children at her school regularly faint. They end up with kids who are half-high, and they only realize it when the kids pass out,», explains this woman, who prefers to remain anonymous.

This is a serious issue, especially since cannabidiol (or CBD) is not a psychotropic substance. It doesn't «get you high.». «What these children are consuming is not the CBD sold in stores, ," the assistant continues. »It's a counterfeit product, bought online." The description of the product and its effects matches that of synthetic cannabinoids. None of the ingredients are derived from cannabis; they are all manufactured in a laboratory.

In the Marne department, in eastern France, the phenomenon seemed serious enough that a VSE Parents' Group (all forms). Together, they intend to combat these liquids containing synthetic cannabinoids. The goal: « Help Our Teens Overcome Addiction« .

Yves Détraigne's goal is therefore to «to prod the government into taking action on the issue.». When he asked his first question in October 2019, the Department of Justice responded six months later. And it was «a very standard, run-of-the-mill response», the lawmaker says. He has therefore sent a second response on the same subject. So far, Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti has not responded.

Toward a bill?

If the government fails to act, Mr. Détraigne does not rule out stepping up his efforts. «When we ask a question, we address the minister responsible for that area. When we receive an answer, either it seems correct to us, or it leaves us completely baffled. At that point, we introduce a bill to be debated in Parliament.»

For the senator, this issue can also transcend political divides. «It is possible to bring together senators from different political groups and different departments to initiate a debate.» This should put pressure on the government to force it to provide a clear response.

In France, The regulations surrounding CBD are unclear. Products containing less than 0.2 % of THC—the psychoactive substance in cannabis—are permitted. As a result, CBD stores are popping up like mushrooms. «Since the summer of 2018, sales of cannabidiol, a cannabis-derived product, have been on the rise.», As the Ministry of Justice acknowledges in its response to Senator Détraigne. Prosecutors have received instructions from the ministry to enforce stricter oversight of these stores.

CBD e-liquid is widely available in stores and online, but e-liquids sold on the black market may contain all sorts of substances. «Obviously, there's no distinctive smell, so it's impossible to detect.», notes Yves Détraigne’s parliamentary assistant. The senator, for his part, is concerned: «It's starting to become a common occurrence. We need to put a stop to this.»