What criteria should you use to choose the right CBD producer in France?

This is the first and by far the most important criterion: the legality of production. In France, CBD producers must only cultivate varieties of Cannabis sativa L. that are listed in the European catalog. In addition, hemp offered for sale must comply with the maximum THC limit of 0.3%; this is a legal threshold that applies to all products containing CBD. The use of certified seeds from recognized organizations such as the CCPSC (Coopérative Centrale des Producteurs de Semence de Chanvre) ensures that crops are compliant and traceable.

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

Choose a CBD producer authorized to operate

In France, CBD production requires farmers to have agricultural operator status. Three bodies oversee this sector: 

• the DGAL (Directorate-General for Food) for health aspects,
• the FNPC (National Federation of Hemp Producers) for professional organization,
• the national police force for compliance checks.

Producers must declare their hemp plots to these three entities before planting. For the sake of reliability and transparency towards their customers, producers must be able to present all their seed certificates, invoices, and regulatory labels. These documents are also mandatory in the event of an inspection by the DGAL or the gendarmerie. 

Controlled production, a sign of quality

A good CBD producer stands out for their mastery of different cultivation methods and hemp varieties. For example, some varieties are popular for their yield and cannabinoid concentration, while others are prized for their specific aromas and terpenes. Your producer should be able to guide you toward the best products for your needs.

Your producer must also be proficient in different cultivation methods to meet the expectations of all your customers. The type of cultivation has a direct influence on the quality of CBD. In particular, there are:  

• Outdoor cultivation: the most traditional and natural cultivation method. It is the least expensive cultivation method and produces flowers with less pronounced aromas, which often results in a lower cost. 
• In a greenhouse: the flowers benefit from sunlight but without the vagaries of the weather. This method of cultivation yields a considerable harvest and produces flowers with more pronounced aromas than those grown outdoors.
• Indoor: This cultivation method is the most expensive and least environmentally friendly because it requires a warehouse and artificial light for 18 hours a day, but it produces flowers that are richest in aroma and CBD.

Quality also depends on the drying method, harvesting, planting density, and sunlight exposure for outdoor and greenhouse crops. A skilled producer will master all these elements to offer you consistently high-quality products.

Provision of laboratory analyses

In France, a CBD producer must be able to show you the independent laboratory analyses that have been carried out on the cultivated products. These tests guarantee that the THC content complies with regulations and are essential to protect you as a retailer and ensure the safety of your customers.

Although not mandatory, providing documentation certifying responsible, environmentally friendly, or even organic farming practices is a plus that reinforces the producer's commitment and is a selling point for consumers. The geographical proximity of your producer can also be an advantage, promoting local production and minimizing transportation costs and delivery times.

As you can see, several criteria come into play when choosing a reliable CBD producer, such as strict compliance with regulations, expertise in different types of cultivation, and transparency about the methods used to guarantee reliable, high-quality products.