Cultivation of hemp in France : what’Does it change ?
CBD (cannabidiol) has seen its popularity soar in recent years. At the origin of this natural ingredient with multiple virtues, there is a plant: hemp. As the demand for CBD increases, the cultivation of hemp in France is more and more encouraged.
Discover all you need to know about hemp cultivation in France: why grow this plant ? Is it legal ? How to become a producer and how to grow hemp ?
Why grow hemp ?
Few people know it, but hemp is a A very versatile plant that can be used in many different fields: textile, biofuel, food, stationery (packaging, printing paper, toilet paper…), construction (concrete, insulation wool, mortar…), wellness… The cultivation of hemp in France can also allow to to clean up the soil. This versatility is mainly due to the fact that everything is used in hemp, from the seeds to the leaves and flowers, including the stalk.
For all these uses, hemp is nonetheless very simple to grow. Indeed, the cultivation of hemp in France can be done almost anywhere, because hemp is a robust plant This plant grows quickly without chemicals, resists diseases and common pests and requires little water.
In summary, the cultivation of hemp in France (and elsewhere) is ecological and allows to cultivate a product with multiple applications, also responsible and ecological.
Is it legal to grow hemp ?
Yes, the cultivation of hemp in France is legal, even for individuals, i.e. anyone can grow hemp in France. However, although it is legal, this culture remains framed and several rules hemp cultivation in France is regulated, especially in the framework of a commercial activity.
First of all, the hemp to be grown must be one of the varieties authorized by the Ministry of Health.
Then, it is mandatory to respect the regulations concerning the THC content hemp plants (< 0.2% THC).
Finally, for a crop intended for sale, the cultivation of hemp in France is specifically restricted when it comes to CBD extract. For example, a producer is prohibited from promoting the medicinal or therapeutic properties of CBD.
The question of the form is also thorny in France which restricted until now the sale of the flowering tops of the hemp, a legislation condemned by the European Commission.
How to become a hemp grower ?
To become a hemp producer, you will first have to obtain seeds from a recognized seed bank. You can for example turn to a recognized brand like here to get seeds of varieties approved by the legislation.
However, if you want to start a hemp crop in France in order to produce CBD, you will have to specifically acquire seeds called “feminized”. Indeed, only female plants produce CBD: To make push feminized seeds This guarantees you to obtain a plant that will contain cannabinoids.
You will then have to make a declaration on your honor concerning your hemp crop in addition to declare yourself to the National Federation of Hemp Producers and to the Gendarmerie.
Finally, do not forget to keep all the bags of your sown seeds in the perspective of a possible control.
How to grow hemp ?
To start growing hemp in France, you will need to sow your seeds in spring (between March and the end of April).
In terms of maintenance, hemp is low-maintenance and will generally only require a few waterings and a natural fertilizer, even if you have to remain vigilant to the possible appearance of diseases. This plant has a predisposition to organic cultivation: no chemical products are necessary. Finally, during the growth, it will not be necessary to make the impasse on the weeding to prevent the weeds from spreading around your plants.
Your hemp plants will reach maturity (when the first leaves fall) in about four months You will then be able to harvest them to extract stems, seeds, leaves and flowers.
To start growing hemp in France, do not hesitate to to call upon a specialist who will be able to advise you at best.
Growing hemp in France is part of a real circular economy, because everything is useful in hemp. Ecological culture in full expansion at the moment, the hemp is subjected to a legislation which evolves every year for a bigger tolerance.