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17 June 2026 ·

CBD Legality and Delivery in Europe

CBD Legality and Delivery in Europe

Yes, CBD is legal in France and in the European Union, provided the product comes from authorised hemp varieties and its THC content does not exceed 0.3%. This framework rests on specific legal texts — the French Decree of 30 December 2021, the CJEU’s “Kanavape” ruling and the “Novel Food” Regulation — which we review here, along with what remains prohibited and how to get your order delivered with peace of mind. This general information does not constitute legal advice.

Is CBD legal in France? The direct answer

CBD (cannabidiol) is legal in France. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it is not classified as a narcotic, as it has no proven psychotropic effect. The reference text is the Decree of 30 December 2021 (Légifrance): it authorises the cultivation, import and commercial use of hemp, provided authorised varieties are used and the THC content does not exceed 0.3%. The CJEU confirmed as early as 2020 (the “Kanavape” ruling) that CBD lawfully produced in one Member State cannot be banned in another. In other words: buying, possessing and consuming CBD that meets these criteria is permitted for adults in France.

If you are new to the subject, our guide What is CBD? explains the difference between CBD and THC and the main product families.

The 0.3% THC threshold: what the Decree of 30 December 2021 says

The French legal threshold is set by the Decree of 30 December 2021, adopted pursuant to Article R. 5132-86 of the French Public Health Code. The text lays down three conditions: the hemp must come from varieties of Cannabis sativa L. listed in the authorised catalogue; the THC content of the plant must not exceed 0.3%; and extracts and finished products must comply with the same cap. Beyond that, the product falls under narcotics legislation. Note: the Conseil d'État (France’s highest administrative court) annulled, on 29 December 2022, the initial ban on selling raw flowers and leaves: the sale of compliant CBD flowers is therefore legal.

European law: the “Kanavape” ruling and free movement

The European foundation of CBD’s legality is the “Kanavape” ruling (Case C-663/18), handed down by the CJEU on 19 November 2020. The Court held that a Member State may not prohibit the marketing of CBD lawfully produced in another EU country: having no proven psychotropic effect, CBD is not a narcotic and benefits from the free movement of goods guaranteed by the Treaties. This ruling directly inspired the French framework adopted in late 2021 and secures both the sale and the delivery of CBD from one European country to another.

CBD legality country by country

The European framework sets the main principles, but each country applies its own rules. Explore our detailed, well-sourced guides for each market:

CBD and food products: the “Novel Food” Regulation

CBD products intended to be ingested (oils taken orally, infusions, supplements) are subject to an additional layer of rules: Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods, known as “Novel Food”. The European Commission regards cannabidiol as a “novel food”: it was not consumed to a significant degree in the EU before 1997, so it requires prior authorisation before being marketed as a foodstuff, and applications are currently under assessment. Edible CBD is therefore more tightly regulated than other formats, and may never be presented as a medicine.

What remains prohibited

CBD being legal does not mean everything is allowed:

  • THC above the legal threshold: any product exceeding 0.3% THC falls under narcotics legislation.
  • Synthetic cannabinoids: by decision of 22 May 2024, updated on 4 June 2024, the ANSM (the French medicines agency) added several synthetic cannabinoids (including H4-CBD and THCP) to the list of narcotics. Natural CBD is not affected.
  • Therapeutic claims: a freely sold CBD product may not present itself as a medicine or promise to cure an illness.
  • Sale to minors: these products are sold to adults only.
  • Lack of traceability: a serious product must be able to prove its origin and compliance (lab analyses, THC content).

At Golden CBD, we offer products that comply with the current framework, with no medical claims whatsoever.

Buying CBD legally: the right reflexes

Buying legal CBD comes down to a few simple reflexes — a compliant product, a transparent seller:

  • Check the stated THC content: it must respect the legal cap of 0.3%.
  • Make sure of traceability: hemp origin, authorised variety, quality controls and certificates of analysis.
  • Favour a transparent seller: clear product information, accessible terms of sale, reachable customer service.
  • Read the terms: our terms and conditions of sale and our legal notice set out the framework of your purchase.

For instance, discover our selection of CBD flowers, each reference presented with its characteristics. A question before ordering? Write to us via our Contact page.

CBD delivery across Europe: lead times, discretion and zones

Since compliant CBD benefits from the free movement established by the Kanavape ruling, it can be shipped legally within the European Union. At Golden CBD, we offer fast, discreet delivery with order tracking.

Discreet delivery

Your orders are shipped in plain, discreet packaging, with no visible mention of the contents, from drop-off to receipt.

Order tracking

Tracking is provided for every shipment. The precise arrangements (carriers, options) are detailed at checkout and in our terms of sale.

Delivery zones

As CBD benefits from free movement within the EU, delivery may cover France as well as other European countries. Check the zones served when placing your order.

In short

CBD is legal in France and in Europe as long as the product comes from authorised hemp varieties and contains no more than 0.3% THC (Decree of 30 December 2021), with no medical claims. The Kanavape ruling (CJEU, 2020) guarantees its free movement, and the “Novel Food” Regulation governs edible formats. To buy with peace of mind: a transparent seller and the official sources, which prevail.

FAQ — CBD legality and delivery

Is CBD legal in France?

Yes. CBD is legal in France and in the EU as long as the product comes from authorised hemp varieties and contains no more than 0.3% THC (Decree of 30 December 2021). The CJEU’s Kanavape ruling (2020) confirmed its free movement.

What THC level is allowed?

The reference threshold in France is 0.3% THC, set by the Decree of 30 December 2021. It applies to the plant, extracts and finished products; beyond it, the product falls under narcotics regulation.

Are CBD flowers legal?

Yes. On 29 December 2022, the Conseil d'État annulled the ban on selling raw flowers and leaves. Compliant flowers (authorised varieties, THC ≤ 0.3%) are therefore legally sold in France.

Can CBD be sold as food?

Ingestible CBD products fall under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 “Novel Food”: cannabidiol is a novel food subject to prior authorisation. No CBD product may be presented as a medicine.

Is delivery discreet?

Yes. Our orders are shipped in plain packaging, with no indication of the contents, and tracking provided. Delivery is designed to be fast and confidential.

The information in this article is provided for general purposes only; it does not constitute legal advice. As regulations may change, refer to the official sources cited (Légifrance, ANSM, CJEU, EUR-Lex) or consult a legal professional.