In this article, we will go over the types of tests that can be performed by the police or in hospitals, the detection or not of CBD in the body and what is risky in case of a police check on CBD. Finally, we will advise you on precautions to take when using CBD.
Is CBD legal in France?
Once and for all, CBD is legal for marketing and consumption in France under certain conditions. The main condition to know is the fact that CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC. Today, state-approved stores only market products that meet this condition (CBD oils, CBD flowers...). In fact, CBD is not considered psychotropic and therefore dangerous to health. To learn more, see the list of narcotics banned in France that the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) updates every year.
France has coordinated with the data shared by the World Health Organization (WHO). After collecting enough scientific data on the subject, the WHO removed CBD from its list of products to watch, indicating that it was neither toxic nor harmful to humans.
All CBD-derived products sold in France are therefore legal and can be consumed as you wish. You therefore risk nothing in case of Police control in possession of CBD.
But what about in case of a consumption test? But is CBD detectable in a saliva, urine or even blood test? What do we risk if we are positive?
CBD saliva test
CBD is not sought after (because it is legal) and therefore cannot be detected with a saliva test. However, there is a nuance that you should be aware of.
There may be times when you are stopped by the Police, especially during a traffic stop. If you are administered a saliva test for screening, this test will be tailored to look for 4 groups of drugs: cannabis (or rather its mind-altering substance called THC), cocaine, heroin and amphetamine.
In a matter of moments, this test, which involves collecting particles in the mouth with a stick and then analyzing them, can declare a user positive. Since most CBD products have little or no THC in their composition, they pose no risk of being detected by police or gendarmerie saliva tests. So you can rest easy regarding oils, creams, candies or e-liquids.
There is still a risk of testing positive with smoked products, that is, if you have smoked a joint with a CBD flower containing a high level of THC. If the content of your flower exceeded the threshold of 0.2% of THC allowed, you will be positive. That's why you need to carefully check what you're buying and confirm that the products in question are legal in the eyes of the law in France.
If you test positive on a saliva test, the police will immediately request a urine test to confirm (or deny) the presence of an illegal substance in your system.
CBD urine or blood test
It is important to remember that urine and blood tests are very rare. They often follow a suspicion triggered by a saliva test for example. Urine tests can detect traces of drugs used between 5 and 10 days before the test.
The test may not be positive if you have only consumed CBD licensed at less than 0.2% THC. It will, however, prove positive if you have consumed THC, even in small amounts. So again, it's a matter of checking the quality of the products you consume.
Risks involved if checked
You are not at risk for consuming or possessing CBD that meets the conditions listed above.
However, if you have unknowingly consumed THC (with a product above the 0.2% THC threshold), you do run some risks including a high fine on the criminal record. Indeed, drug use is a crime in France and will be punished.
As far as driving is concerned, alcohol has an accepted tolerance level, but illegal drugs do not. Since the use of THC is completely prohibited in France, driving under THC is illegal and strongly reprimanded by law enforcement. As a general rule, it is not advisable to drive after using CBD (as it might be after taking a sleeping pill).
Cautions to take when consuming CBD
First of all, make sure your products are legal, sold by state-recognized stores like 321 CBD, and transparent in their communication. Indeed, it is important to consume quality products, whose composition is clearly indicated on the bottle or bag, as well as the website. A reputable CBD product will always be accompanied by a CA or CoA (Certificate of Analysis) which determines the quality and purity of the product and lists the components present.
Finally, no matter what happens, be responsible. If you feel that your normal faculties are impaired or that the product you have consumed is not producing an effect that you are used to, take the time to rest, don't get behind the wheel and wait for it to pass.
In the end, you will be the one responsible for your actions in the eyes of the law, so it is recommended that you act accordingly.
