CBD Production – Novel Food: what’s changing for CBD products in May 2026
CBD products subject to the Novel Food Regulation: what you need to know in 2026
No, CBD is not banned in France. Despite some alarmist reports circulating in recent weeks, the reality is more nuanced and deserves to be explained clearly.
At CBD Production, we are committed to providing information that is transparent, factual and in compliance with French and European regulations.
The DGAL’s announcement
On 15 April 2026, the Directorate-General for Food (DGAL) confirmed that the European Novel Food Regulation (EU 2015/2283) would be strictly enforced from 15 May 2026.
This measure applies only to CBD products intended for consumption as food or food supplements:
- sublingual oils marketed as food supplements,
- CBD gummies and sweets,
- softgels and capsules,
- CBD drinks,
- chocolates and food products containing CBD,
- infusions made from the flowering tops of hemp.
To date, these products have not yet been granted Novel Food authorisation at European level. Consequently, their sale as foodstuffs has been suspended in France.
This is therefore not a blanket ban on CBD, but rather the application of a specific European regulatory framework for food products.
The Novel Food Regulation explained simply
The Novel Food Regulation (EU 2015/2283) provides a framework for foods and food ingredients that were not consumed to a significant extent in the European Union before 15 May 1997.
When an ingredient is classified as a «novel food», it must obtain prior authorisation from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) before it can be placed on the market.
CBD extracted from hemp falls into this category. Manufacturers wishing to market CBD-containing food products must therefore submit a complete authorisation application to the European authorities.
In February 2026, EFSA published a scientific opinion setting out a daily intake considered safe of approximately 2 mg of CBD per day for a 70 kg adult, applying a substantial safety margin. This opinion represents a scientific stage in the assessment process, and not a definitive ban on CBD.
To date, no CBD-containing food product has been granted full Novel Food authorisation in the European Union.
Furthermore, the UPCBD and the SPC have lodged an appeal with the Council of State. The regulatory framework could therefore change in the coming months.
Products affected and products authorised in 2026
Category | Status |
CBD oils for consumption |
|
CBD gummies and capsules |  Sale suspended |
CBD drinks and food |
|
Hemp flower infusions |
|
CBD Flowers |
|
CBD resins and hash |
|
CBD cosmetics |  Authorised |
CBD e-liquids | Authorised |
Hemp seeds |
|
The distinction is simple: the Novel Food Regulation applies only to food products intended for consumption.
Cosmetics, e-liquids, CBD flowers and resins are not covered by this specific regulation.
CBD Production’s commitment
At CBD Production, regulatory compliance and transparency have always been priorities.
In concrete terms :
- the products covered by the Novel Food regulations were withdrawn as soon as the DGAL’s official announcement was made; ;
- Our CBD flowers, resins and authorised products comply with current French legislation; ;
- All our products are made from authorised hemp varieties with a THC content of less than 0.3 %; ;
- Certificates of Analysis (COAs) issued by independent laboratories are available; ;
- We carry out ongoing regulatory monitoring to keep our clients informed of any legal developments.
We also work with French partners and producers who have been selected for their reliability, traceability and the quality of their products.
We understand that this regulatory change may raise questions for some consumers who are used to CBD oils or capsules. However, our priority remains to offer only products that comply with the current legal framework.
Our range of CBD products is still available
CBD Production continues to offer a comprehensive range of products that comply with French regulations:
- CBD flowers with a variety of terpene profiles,
- carefully selected CBD resins and hash,
- CBD e-liquids,
- CBD cosmetics.
Our aim remains the same: to offer high-quality, traceable and compliant products.
Regulations that may still change
The Novel Food dossier is still evolving at European level.
The appeals lodged by trade organisations, together with the applications for authorisation currently under consideration, could lead to changes in the situation over the coming months.
CBD Production is closely monitoring these developments and will announce any significant updates as soon as they are officially confirmed.
Conclusion: CBD remains legal in France in 2026
CBD will remain legal in France in 2026, subject to compliance with the applicable regulatory framework.
The Novel Food Regulation does not spell the end of CBD: it simply imposes additional requirements on food products containing cannabidiol.
At CBD Production, we remain committed to offering CBD products that are compliant, traceable and carefully selected.
→ Discover our selection of flowers, resins, cosmetics and e-liquids CBD products are available now.
Last updated: May 2026. This article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For any regulatory queries, please consult a legal professional or refer to the official publications of the relevant authorities.
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