CBD, a product still little known to the French

Between 31 January and 1 February 2022, Yougov carried out a survey of 1038 French people aged 18 and over on the subject of CBD. Significant gaps in knowledge remain, and the ban on sales is far from unanimously supported. Here is a closer look.

France, Europe’s leading consumer of cannabis

France sits at the top of the podium among European countries for cannabis consumption. The government nevertheless decided to veto the sale of CBD flowers and leaves, a decision overturned by the Conseil d’État, the French supreme administrative court, on 24 January.

Yougov took to the streets to talk to French people about the world of CBD. Some 78% had already heard of it, but only 47% said they would be able to explain correctly what it is.

Few adults have tried CBD in France

Few adults say they have tried CBD, with only 16% of respondents admitting to having sampled it. Flowers and leaves are most commonly used as an infusion or herbal tea, at 32%. The same share of respondents said they had used CBD in the form of cigarettes and/or oil. Vaping comes next at 18%. Gummies (sweets or chewing gum) account for 16%. Cosmetics bring up the rear with only 9%, and capsules with 8%.

Some 20% of users admit having tried CBD to find an alternative to cannabis. That percentage was enough for the government to attempt to ban it from the market. The announcement divided the French: among 18 to 34-year-olds, 40% are in favour of a ban and 39% against, while in the 35 to 54 age group, 40% oppose sales restrictions and 35% support them. Above that age, 36% are in favour and 36% against. Among political camps, left-wing voters are more fiercely opposed to CBD than supporters of other parties.