France Bans CBD Edibles Under EU Food Safety Regulation from 1997

The French General Directorate for Food (DGAL) has banned the sale of CBD-infused edibles starting May 15, AFP reports.

Regulators announced the ban last month, posing it as stricter enforcement of a 1997 EU food safety regulation that requires special approval for novel foods.

Previously, CBD-infused gummies, tinctures, supplements, and other edibles were available in hemp product retailers throughout France. The consumables accounted for about 40% of total hemp product sales, according to the report.

The ban does not affect the sale of other hemp products, including hemp flower and vaporizers.

“We find this completely absurd. Going after all of it is one thing, but just going after edibles makes absolutely no sense.” — Paul Maclean, a representative of the UPCBD trade association, via AFP

Meanwhile, medical cannabis remains strictly limited in France under its recently extended pilot program, although bigger national reforms could come in early 2027.