10% of consumers won over in France
According to a study conducted by the Grand View Research observatory, there are already more than 10% of French people who consume CBD on a regular basis! Even if it is true that this statistic is well below the European average, estimated at 16%, it should be remembered that France has always had a suspicious view of cannabidiol, and that the legalisation of its consumption and even more so of its sale only came about late. These figures will therefore have to be revised upwards as time goes by, and as the product becomes less and less demonised.
A majority of men
Studies also show that over 70% of CBD consumers in France turn out to be men. This statistic has the merit of showing the disinterest of many women with regard to the product, something that must be taken into account by sellers when developing their marketing strategy.
A market worth over a billion euros!
Other studies, focusing on the benefits that the CBD market could bring to France if it were to become more popular, and subject to less stringent legislation, have put forward the figure of one and a half billion euros in turnover!
A statistic that should not leave the government as sceptical as usual. But it is true that these figures must be taken with a certain distance because the future of the market is still unknown, and the forecasts are sometimes very different from one study to another. Nevertheless, the European market is currently worth 475 million euros and represents 32% of the world market. It should be noted, however, that CBD is still subject to strict restrictions, is becoming increasingly popular, and that a simple legislative revision could make this figure explode in the coming years.
French law remains unclear on the subject
Although France has legalised the consumption and then sale of CBD products, its legislation remains unclear, especially to sellers and producers, to the point that it is not always clear whether you are within the law when you open a shop or start producing CBD. This equivocality is a major disincentive for those wishing to invest in CBD, most of whom end up throwing in the towel in the face of the difficulties encountered. For the cannabidiol market to flourish, it is imperative that the subject be taken in hand as soon as possible and that the legal complexities be resolved. For the time being, things are still not moving forward, although a few hints of change seem to be gradually hinting and gaining momentum.
Only hemp fibres and seeds allowed
This is a typical example of the French legal vagueness about CBD. Indeed, it is strictly forbidden to commercialise or industrialise hemp leaves. Only the seeds and fibres of the plant are allowed to be used, which severely limits the possibilities of extracting CBD, and the country is forced to buy it from abroad. This law, if left unchanged, will continue to stagnate the CBD market in the country to the benefit of countries like Italy, which is the European leader in the field.
The THC threshold could be raised from 0.2 to 0.3%
For now, CBD products must contain a THC level of 0.2% or less in order to be legally marketed in France and Europe. This standard has taken the wind out of the sails of producers, who find it difficult to make a profit from being subject to it. Maintaining such a low THC level is a relatively complicated operation, and greatly limits the varieties of hemp that can be used. An increase in the THC threshold to 0.3% could greatly improve the situation of these producers, and therefore allow for greater market fluidity.
This threshold change, scheduled for 2023, remains only a hypothesis, as it needs to be negotiated between EU member countries to be ratified.
Banned from displaying CBD benefits on products
Further evidence of France's wary view of the cannabidiol molecule is this law that prohibits producers and sellers from displaying the benefits that it can provide. Yet many of the positive effects of CBD have been supported by extensive scientific research, such as the anti-pain and anti-stress effect.
Why consume CBD?
Although CBD has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years, many people are still unaware of the benefits it could have on the body, so we're going to tell you about them here.
A recognised relaxing effect
The main effect of CBD that most people experience, and which is recognised and supported by a lot of scientific research, is that of relaxation. Cannabidiol, at a certain dose, relaxes the muscles of the body generally and confers an anxiolytic effect. This results in a reduction of stress and anxiety for the consumer.
In the case of chronically occurring states of stress and anxiety, CBD can indeed be a great ally.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Like all cannabinoids, CBD has a remarkable anti-inflammatory action. That's why you'll find many professional athletes, especially around combat sports, who say they regularly consume CBD (most often in oil form). The substance is particularly effective in the treatment of joint pain.
A positive action on the immune system
Scientific research has also shown a positive action of CBD on the immune system. By preserving the body from oxidative stress, it helps rebalance the immune system, which has sensors for the cannabinoids we consume every day.
A marked improvement in skin quality
You'll find many CBD products in the form of essential oils to apply to the skin, or in the form of shampoos. That's because this molecule has a positive effect on skin health, particularly by regulating the sebum produced by your body's sebaceous glands. It is therefore particularly effective for the treatment of acne, but also other dermatological conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, etc.
Beware, however, there is no question of replacing any medical treatment for a disease with CBD! This substance remains a supplement that can help you feel better by improving your quality of life.
