- CBD
CBD is studied and used for its anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. For many, cannabidiol seems like an ideal way to improve well-being and everyday life.
Yet, despite promising studies, France has been conservative in all matters concerning CBD. Even though CBD is legal in France, it’s a sensitive a controversial topic. Thus, experimentations on medical cannabis started very recently.
In contrast, the FDA approved a medicine containing CBD. So, do CBD or medical cannabis presciptions exist in France ? In 2022, there are no prescriptions for CBD products or medical cannabis. Here’s why and how to find affordable CBD products in France.
Content overview
- Can a doctor prescribe CBD in France ?
- Is CBD reimbursed by Sécurité Sociale (Social Security) in France ?
- What CBD percentage should you choose ?
- Where to find CBD in France ?
- What CBD to choose ?
- CBD, medical cannabis prescriptions & France
Can a doctor prescribe CBD in France ?
In 2022, a doctor can’t prescibe CBD, nor can he prescribe medical cannabis, because it is not considered as medicine in France. Even if there are doctors and specialists that talk about CBD, there are no prescriptions. Moreover, it won’t ever be as medicine but as an alternative to medication. For this reason, CBD isn’t supported by French Social Security.
So can you take CBD without prescription ? Yes, because it isn’t medication but a well-being product. Thus, no prescription is needed. However, if you already are on medication, you should seek medical advice.
In regards to medical cannabis in France, experimentations with 3000 subjects started in March 2021. The ANSM, a French equivalent to the FDA, explains its methodology using Sativex on their website.
Is CBD reimbursed by Sécurité Sociale (Social Security) in France ?
No, CBD is not covered by any healthy insurance or by “La Sécurité Sociale”. In the same way it can’t be prescribed, because CBD can’t be considered as medicine, it also can’t be reimbursed. Thus, any costs with CBD has to be paid by the individual.
In France, CBD prices vary with concentrations, from 1% to 30% in sublingual oils. There are other things to consider such as :
- Isolate, broad or full-spectrum. Generally, oils with isolate are cheaper. We recommend broad or full-spectrum since the more cannabinoids there are, the better the body absorbs these molecules.
- Carrier oil. Since CBD is fat-soluble, any products come with hemp, olive or MCT oil.
- Ingredients. Obviously, the better ingredients, the better the product.
- Volume. Generally, CBD sublingual oil comes in 10ml. Ours come in 15ml and are in a very affordable price range
What CBD percentage should you choose ?
CBD works like a lot of active molecules : there are few absolute and universal rules. CBD’s effects can vary depending on body types and even when you take CBD. For example, CBD after eating improves its bioavailbility in the body.
For example, to recover from a stressful moment during the day, look in the 1% to 10% range for CBD products.
A 15% to 20% concentration seems more multipurpose. 1 to 3 drops if you intend to use it during the day. 5 to 7 drops for a more potent approach. For this reason, our 15% sweet orange and roman chamomille in 15ml is probably the best value for your money on the french market.
For higher concentrations, seek a medical advice.
Where to find CBD in France ?
Everywhere in France, there are a lot of CBD shops. Since CBD is still controversial in France, the market organised itself on the margin. It is changing today, slowly but surely.
It is also possible to find CBD oils in pharmacies. Yet, it is still difficult for French CBD companies to be distributed because the ANSM (french FDA) has yet to approve anything about CBD. Hence, most pharmacies will provide spanish, italian or dutch products.
Since these countries have different regulations, quality may vary. In comparison, France is very strict, which is one of the reason why France has such a good CBD flower market. In this article, you can find some of the best French CBD brands. You will rarely see these in pharmacies !
What CBD to choose ?
Today, a lot of people look for a way to consume CBD that fits their need. Consequently, people tend to search for CBD to sleep, CBD for anxiety or CBD for backpain. It’s a misunderstanding on CBD !
With the exception of topicals, what matters most with CBD, is finding a way to take CBD you ENJOY ! We can of course choose products that add value to specific needs or that maximises CBD absorption, such as sublingual oils or CBD flower. If you don’t enjoy taking CBD, it will be hard making a routine out of it.
We created a collection of products tailor-made for daily life and lifestyle needs. Sublingual oils for the day, the evening, a body oil that doubles as a massage oil and softgels for an easy and discrete CBD intake. Each products is a sophisticated formula with natural ingredients made in France !
CBD, medical cannabis prescriptions & France
To conclude, CBD can’t be prescribed by a doctor in France, nor can it be reimbursed by social security or your health insurance.
The first experimentations with medical marijuana in France started in March of 2021 but results won’t be shared before 2023. It also means that France’s laws around CBD and medical cannabis won’t change until 2024, most likely.
In any case, there are many accessible CBD products that you can find in shops and pharmacies but the best ones are available online. There are different factors that affect prices such as type of distillate (isolate or broad-spectrum), ingredients and CBD concentration.
Lastly, we advise to choose French products when in France for 2 reasons. We have great quality products and other countries may have different regulations.
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