France's Ministry of Solidarity and Health published a decree allowing the commercial sale of cannabis sativa extracts with a maximum THC content up to 0.3%, but banning the sale of raw cannabis flowers and leaves to consumers in all their forms, thus elimating a booming CBD market for tea, for example. The ban, however, has been halted by France's highest administrative court on the basis that it is disproportionate. While the Conseil d’Etat makes its final decision, French bricks-and-mortar and online CBD retailers can continue selling low-THC cannabis flowers and leaves.

Congressional Research Service report says in addition to markets for hemp from fiber, seeds and flowers, “a separate, marketable category exists for the plant’s extracted compounds.” Ingredients from hemp seeds and grains as well as from flowers are alternative protein sources in supplements, foods and beverages and dairy alternatives.

“We urgently need the adoption of an EU wide regulation on sound scientific THC limits in food,” insisted EIHA president and Hempro International CEO Daniel Kruse at the association's 18th annual conference, “Hemp for Europe: Emerging opportunities for the Green Recovery.”