CBD products: how to ensure compliance?

CBD products: THC levels, a question of legality

The CBD trade is governed by strict rules in France and Europe in order to protect consumer health. 

In France, this regulation stipulates that the THC content in your CBD-based products must not exceed 0.3%. This threshold is imposed by law and applies to CBD resin, flowers, and oils, as well as processed products such as gummies, candies, capsules, and CBD herbal teas. This limit prevents any cognitive impairment or psychoactive effects in consumers: above this threshold, products are considered illegal.

To guarantee their legality, products must be accompanied by certificates of analysis carried out by an independent laboratory accredited according to ISO 17025 standard, which guarantees the validity of the tests in the eyes of the control authorities.

> See also: CBD and regulations in France: what professionals need to know

Labeling and traceability of your CBD products

Ensuring that your CBD products comply with the legal THC limit is good. Displaying this information is even better! Your products must be accompanied by clear, visible, indelible labeling in French, to give customers all the necessary information about the product they are about to consume. The label must include: 

• the exact name of the product,
• its exact composition in descending order of weight, highlighting allergens,
• the concentration of cannabinoids in each ingredient, 
• explicit mention of the absence of THC or the presence of the molecule, within the authorized limit of 0.3%,
• the net quantity of product, expressed in grams or milliliters,
• the use-by date,
• special storage conditions,
• the recommendation to keep the product out of the reach of children,
• the exact CBD content per recommended dose and in total in the container sold,
• the country where the hemp or other plants were grown, and the plant varieties present in the product,
• the place where the product is manufactured or processed,
• the ban on CBD consumption for persons under the age of 18. 

If your product is not intended solely for the French market, consider translating your label into English at the very least. To ensure a safe experience for your customers, be sure to include instructions for use with the label to show customers how to measure and consume their product. Don't forget to indicate whether the product is suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Good to know: CBD products must not be presented as a therapeutic solution or substitute for medical treatment. Any mention indicating that the product can relieve pain, reduce anxiety or stress, improve sleep quality, or treat a medical condition is strictly prohibited. Feel free to indicate on your labels that it is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming CBD.

Here too, it is a legal requirement: each batch and each CBD product must bear a number so that the competent authorities can verify their origin, quality, and composition.

Non-compliance with standards: what are the risks?

As you can see, the sale of CBD products is highly regulated in order to ensure that consumers can enjoy them without risk to their health. In the event of non-compliance, you may be subject to several penalties: 

• fines, the amount of which can be very high depending on the offense committed,
• a suspension or even total withdrawal of your company's authorization to operate and sell CBD,
• legal proceedings for endangering the lives of others, in the most extreme cases.

More than just a formality, ensuring that your products comply with CBD regulations guarantees the long-term viability of your business. Not to mention that these measures strengthen buyer confidence and provide valuable reassurance about the quality of your merchandise.