ANSM and Anses are sounding the alarm: since early 2024, several hundred cases of poisoning related to the consumption of products presented as containing CBD have been recorded in France.

An alarming figure that highlights a major problem: the actual composition often doesn’t match what’s stated on the label.

All the versions of this article: [English] [français]


Dangerous Products in Circulation

Investigations reveal that 8 out of 10 CBD products have a different CBD content from what’s indicated. Worse still, many products contain:

Undeclared synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, HHC-O, H4-CBD, MDMB-PINACA)
THC at levels exceeding 0.3%, the legal threshold

These substances are classified as narcotics and their sale, purchase and consumption are strictly prohibited in France, regardless of use (ingestion, vaping, smoking).

Distributeur de CBD
Distributeur de CBD
CBD product vending machine
Ivan Radic

Legal Framework Reminder

It’s important to remember that:

Foods containing CBD (oils, capsules, sweets, chocolates, gummies, syrups, cakes) are not authorised for sale in the European Union
Any product containing more than 0.3% THC or synthetic cannabinoids is illegal
Non-medical CBD is authorised in France only in certain strictly regulated forms

The Danger of Non-Regulatory Products

Some retailers don’t hesitate to sell products that don’t comply with European regulations.
Beyond the legal risk of buying and consuming prohibited products, these items present major health hazards:

  • Repackaging in dubious hygienic conditions
  • Expired products put back into circulation
  • Non-compliance with original products (composition, dosage, origin)
  • Lack of traceability and quality control

More or Less Severe Symptoms

Reported effects can be severe: intense fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, anxiety, hallucinations, tachycardia, loss of consciousness, or even suicidal thoughts or epileptic seizures.

These symptoms can occur regardless of the form of consumption (smoked, vaped or ingested).

The Importance of Choosing the Right Product and Supplier

Faced with these risks, choosing your supplier is crucial.

Prioritise:

  • Trustworthy retailers strictly complying with European legislation
  • Products with complete traceability and accessible laboratory analyses
  • Beware of products labelled "powerful", which are particularly dangerous

What to Do in Case of a Problem with CBD?

In case of life-threatening emergency (fainting, feeling unwell): immediately call 15 (or 999 in the UK)

For Other Symptoms

  • Stop consumption immediately
  • Keep the product for analysis
  • Consult your doctor or call a poison control centre: 01 45 42 59 59 (24/7) (France) / 111 (UK)
  • Report the incident on signalement.social-sante.gouv.fr (France)

Child Protection

Keep all CBD products out of children’s reach: their attractive presentation (sweets, chocolates) can lead to accidental ingestion with particularly serious consequences.

Sources

In summary: Vigilance is essential. Always prioritise quality over economy, and only buy your CBD products from reliable suppliers who respect legislation. Your health is priceless.

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