French Ban on Food CBD Products Sparks Concern Among Lyon Businesses
Lyon, May 19, 2026 – The General Directorate for Food (DGAL) has officially banned the sale of food products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in France, effective May 15. This move strictly enforces the European “Novel Food” regulation, leading to varied responses from businesses and agricultural producers in the Lyon region.
Boiron Laboratories Affected, but Cosmetic Line Remains
Laboratoires Boiron, a prominent homeopathic group based in Lyon, had launched a range of CBD products under the “CBD by Boiron” brand in September 2023. While their cosmetic line, including creams and massage oils, will continue to be sold, pure CBD oils, classified as food supplements, will be withdrawn from the market.
Laura Maucci-Ponzio, External Relations Director for Boiron, stated, “Clarification has been awaited for several years. Laboratoires Boiron has always complied with all regulations, and we will simply cease selling the products affected by the ban upon receipt of the official document. The CBD by Boiron range is not a major line and primarily consists of cosmetic products that remain marketable and are developing well.”
Hemp Farmers Decry “Inappropriate” Measure
The agricultural hemp sector has expressed surprise and disappointment. Laure Deschamps, a hemp producer in Haut Beaujolais and Secretary for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region at the French Association of Cannabinoid Producers (AFPC), which represents 1,200 farms, lamented that “all products are being lumped together.”
Deschamps, who cultivates 200 hemp plants annually, processes her own production into teas and macerates. “I sell these products at markets and fairs. They are highly appreciated by customers who suffer from pain or sleep problems. Some customers stocked up before the ban, but I will continue to sell,” said the manager of Chanvrières du Beaujolais. She echoed the AFPC’s position: “Our union has always fought against the presence of fraudulent NPS (new synthetic products) on the market but cannot accept a measure that, by indiscriminately targeting all production, fails to identify truly fraudulent products while striking down agricultural products that have never posed the slightest risk to consumers.”
With food products representing 70% of French hemp farmers’ production, the AFPC fears the ban could jeopardize an entire industry.
Specialized CBD Shops Face Significant Revenue Loss
The new prohibition also impacts over 2,000 specialized CBD shops, which could see a substantial portion of their revenue disappear. According to the Union of CBD Professionals (UPCBD), “The future of CBD lies in food products. The consequences of this decision are alarming for the French economy, as 35,000 direct jobs are threatened across the sector, and 40% of the market is sacrificed.”
Anthony Baliardo, manager of Les Gones du CBD shops in Lyon and Vienne, estimates the measure will result in “between 5% and 10% loss of turnover” as his sales primarily focus on flowers and resins. However, he regrets the ban on CBD oils, which are highly favored by a certain clientele. “Elderly people use oils to combat certain ailments. They will now have to turn to sleeping pills and sedatives, which are addictive. It’s incomprehensible,” he argued.
More broadly, Baliardo criticized “a state policy based on repression rather than prevention,” which he believes makes businesses like his “the scapegoats.”
Broader Implications for the French CBD Market
The DGAL’s decision to strictly apply the “Novel Food” regulation marks a significant shift in the French approach to CBD. For years, there had been a degree of tolerance regarding the sale of certain CBD products, particularly those intended for consumption. The current ban aims to align France more closely with European Union guidelines, which classify CBD as a novel food ingredient requiring pre-market authorization.
This regulatory change highlights the ongoing debate surrounding CBD’s classification and its potential health benefits versus perceived risks. While proponents of CBD emphasize its therapeutic properties for various conditions, regulatory bodies often prioritize consumer safety through stringent approval processes.
The economic impact of this ban is a major concern for the industry. The AFPC’s warning about the potential peril to the entire hemp sector underscores the challenges faced by farmers who have invested in cultivating and processing hemp for food-related applications. Similarly, the projected loss of revenue for specialized CBD shops could lead to business closures and job losses, further exacerbating economic anxieties within the sector.
Future Outlook and Industry Response
The CBD industry in France is now at a crossroads. While cosmetic CBD products remain legal, the prohibition on food items forces businesses to adapt their strategies and product offerings. The UPCBD’s call to action suggests a concerted effort to advocate for a more nuanced regulatory framework that differentiates between various CBD products and addresses potential risks without stifling a burgeoning industry.
The situation also raises questions about consumer access to CBD products, particularly for individuals who have found relief from conditions like pain and insomnia through CBD oils. The argument made by Anthony Baliardo regarding customers potentially turning to more addictive pharmaceuticals highlights a broader public health concern that may arise from such restrictive policies.
As the industry navigates these new regulations, it is likely that legal challenges and continued lobbying efforts will emerge. The outcome of these efforts will determine the long-term viability of the CBD food product market in France and set a precedent for other European nations grappling with similar regulatory complexities.
Source: https://www.affiches-parisiennes.com/69000-lyon/interdiction-du-cbd-alimentaire-les-reactions-des-acteurs-lyonnais-248095.html
