Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a compound found in cannabis that is generating increasing interest for its therapeutic properties. Unlike THC, another major component of cannabis, CBD has no psychoactive effects and does not produce a “high.” This makes it an attractive option for those seeking to enjoy its benefits without experiencing the adverse effects associated with cannabis use. However, a question arises for patients wishing to use CBD as an alternative treatment: is this alternative medicine covered by social security? To answer this, it is necessary to examine several aspects, such as the current state of CBD legislation in France and the conditions for reimbursement of medical treatments.
CBD Legislation in France
Laws governing cannabis products vary considerably from one country to another. According to French law, the cultivation, possession, distribution, and use of certain varieties of hemp plants are permitted provided they contain less than 0.2% THC. However, this low THC level in authorized hemp plants does not necessarily mean that CBD products can be sold freely if they exceed the maximum permitted THC level.
On the other hand, CBD itself is not classified as a narcotic and is subject to a separate legal framework in France. CBD products are not subject to any specific regulations, but the authorities closely monitor the marketing of products containing cannabidiol to prevent any encouragement of cannabis use.
CBD in Medicine
From a medical standpoint, CBD has been studied for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties. Some research suggests that this compound could be useful in treating numerous conditions, including:
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
While some countries, such as the United States and Canada, have already legalized the use of medical cannabis, including for CBD prescriptions, France is only at the very beginning of this process. In 2020, the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) established a temporary specialized scientific committee tasked with evaluating the relevance and feasibility of using cannabis for therapeutic purposes.
CBD as a medicine: Epidiolex and Sativex
However, there are already several CBD-containing medications that have received marketing authorization (MA) in France. Epidiolex, a medication prescribed for the treatment of certain severe forms of epilepsy, was the first CBD-based medication to obtain this MA.
Similarly, Sativex is another medication that contains both THC and CBD. It is used to treat patients with multiple sclerosis who suffer from severe muscle stiffness. Sativex is only available by prescription and under very strict conditions. Health insurance coverage for CBD: where do we stand?
For a treatment to be covered by health insurance, it must meet several criteria: it must have received marketing authorization, be listed on the list of reimbursable medications, and comply with certain conditions set by the French National Authority for Health (HAS).
CBD-based medications and their reimbursement
Regarding the CBD-based medications mentioned earlier, Epidiolex set a precedent by being the first CBD-containing medication to be reimbursed by the French national health insurance system. The reimbursement rate is set at 65% for this medication, but it should be noted that its prescription is strictly limited to cases of severe epilepsy in children and young adults. As for Sativex, despite its marketing authorization, it is still not available in France due to a disagreement between the manufacturing laboratory and the Transparency Commission regarding pricing and reimbursement.
CBD Food Supplements and Oils
Regarding food supplements and other formulas containing CBD, their coverage by the national health insurance system is much more uncertain. Generally, these products are not considered medications and therefore do not meet the criteria for reimbursement. However, given the rapid evolution of the cannabidiol market and its legal framework, it remains to be seen whether this situation could change in the future with new regulations. Preliminary Conclusion
