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.

The European Court of Justice rules that CBD cannot be regarded as a narcotic as it is non-psychoactive and suggests that a French ban on the cannabinoid is contrary to EU law on the free movement of goods. Legal experts and industry hope the judgment will pave the way for a regulated European CBD market.

The Green Claims Directive has moved one step closer to becoming European Union law. Once passed, within 24 months CO2 offset-based claims like "carbon neutral" will be banned altogether, claims like “environmentally friendly” will require substantive backing and sustainability labels in general will need to be approved beforehand by certification schemes or public authorities.