A huge step for the European CBD market.The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), Europe´s highest court, ruled CBD is not a narcotic drug since it “does not contain a psychoactive ingredient in the current state of scientific knowledge”.
The judges wrote it would be contrary to the purpose and general spirit of the Single Convention to include it under the definition of “drug” within the meaning of that convention as a cannabis extract. The legal decision, dated November 19, 2020, is a breakthrough for the European CBD industry.
First up: what is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD), is one of over a hundred organic compounds found inside hemp plants (a “cousin” of cannabis plant), that act upon endogenous cannabinoid receptors of the body, acting in many different ways.
The most important thing about CBD is that it does not have psychoactive effects, so it does not give you the “high” feeling of marijuana. Many people are still confused about it. The other well-known compound of cannabis, THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive one.
Benefits of CBD
In the last few years, studies and anecdotal experience suggest that an adequate dosage of CBD may help with different types of health conditions, such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Heart conditions
- Pain and inflammation
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s diseases
- Epilepsy
- It also can be used on pets!
People everywhere and all ages are finding natural relief for their health conditions from more common social anxiety to less common but more severe psychological illnesses like Alzheimer or Schizophrenia, replacing traditional and prescription drugs and therapies, including opioids, anti-anxiety medication and sleep aids, that frequently cause unwanted side effects and adverse reactions (as they are made from synthetic chemicals).
On the other hand, CBD is found in nature and it uses the body’s natural healing abilities, interacting with a system that is already present. More natural remedies are the last resort for many people because they are afraid of trying something new. But herbal and natural treatments are actually incredibly old, they have been around for very long time, and used by a wide range of people from different cultures all over the world in all kinds of circumstances and lifestyles.
The Most Common CBD products on the Market
With many people claiming success, new CBD-based products are being made to all kinds of public. In that sense, CBD can be delivered in many ways, including oil vapor, cream, edibles, tincture. The most popular are infused edibles (including food and beverages), drops or sprays and vaping devices.
The wide range and variety of CBD products allows you to find the one that suits you the best. Some have a relatively low amount of CBD, while other have the highest level permitted. When it comes to choosing a product, you have to be very careful and read all the labels to determine how much CBD you are getting.
The Court’s Decision: A Boost for The Market
The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that CBD is not a narcotic drug because it “does not appear to have any psychotropic effect or any harmful effect on human health” (the Court also noted that CBD in question was extracted from cannabis sativa, grown legally, and with THC equal or less than 0.2%).
The decision was made due to the prosecution of a French company that exports CBD oil made from whole hemp plants in the Czech Republic, the case is known as the Kanavape case, the company’s name. French laws only allow for commercial use hemp’s fiber and seeds (known as synthetic hemp), but not the flower, which is confusing, because they actually have the same properties.
After month of debates, the judges of the Court finally wrote that the French ban contradicted EU laws regarding free movements of goods on the basis of public interest (Articles 34 and 36 TFEU), that should be traded without restrictions between EU member states. The legal decision went against the European Commission’s preliminary view in July and is binding on all EU states and also on the Commission.
It is a landmark ruling for CBD sales and marketing across Europe. They can begin selling its products without fear of having them banned. In the long term, the judge’s decision could trigger the adoption of more harmonized legislations on CBD and a less fragmented market, that could finally lead to a more secure environment for the industry and, especially, for CBD consumers.
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