Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis that possesses interesting medicinal properties and is rapidly gaining popularity. In France, its sale and consumption are tolerated as long as the products contain less than 0.2% THC. However, it is not uncommon for individuals who have legally purchased CBD to receive a fine for illegal possession of narcotics. If you find yourself in this situation, here are the steps to follow to contest this fine.
Step 1: Gather the evidence
Before initiating any dispute proceedings, it is essential to gather all the evidence showing that the seized product is indeed CBD that complies with French standards.
Invoices and certificates of origin
Invoices and other proof of origin are essential to demonstrate that your purchase was legal and complies with French CBD regulations. Keep these documents carefully and request a copy if you haven't already done so.
Analysis of THC levels
An analysis performed by an independent laboratory can verify the THC content of products seized by law enforcement. This process can be costly, but it will provide solid proof of your CBD's compliance. Don't hesitate to contact the seller or manufacturer to obtain this type of analysis if it isn't already available.
Step 2: Electronic appeal
The first option is to contest the fine online. To do so, go to the official website of ANTAI (National Agency for the Automated Processing of Offenses) and follow the instructions provided.
Information needed
- Your phone number
- The case number shown on the traffic ticket
- References for the fixed penalty fine for misdemeanors
- All the evidence gathered (invoices, certificates, analyses)
Time limits for appeals
Please note that you have 30 days from the date of notification of the fine to take this step. After this period, you will no longer be able to contest it.
Step 3: Appealing by mail
If you prefer to complete the procedure by mail, simply follow these steps:
Fill out a dispute form
Download and fill in the cerfa form n° 15776*02 on the service-public.fr website and attach the documents attesting to the legality of your CBD according to French standards.
Attach the necessary supporting documents
Above, you will find a list of the various supporting documents to include with your appeal. Remember to also include a letter explaining your actions and detailing the arguments that support your appeal.
Send everything by registered mail with return receipt requested
The letter must be sent by registered mail with return receipt requested to ensure your case is properly processed. The mailing address varies depending on the fine received:
- For a fixed penalty notice: Public prosecutor's office attached to the police court
- For an increased fine: the relevant Public Treasury
Step 4: Wait for the administration's response
After submitting your appeal, you will have to wait several weeks, or even several months, before receiving a response from the administration. This response may take different forms:
The challenge was rejected
If the administration rejects your appeal, it will send you a letter informing you of its decision. From that point on, it is still possible to appeal to the local judge to contest this decision, but the chances of success are generally lower.
Case dropped
In some cases, the authorities may decide to drop the charges against you. In this situation, you will not have to pay the fine and the case will be closed.
Reduction of the fine
Finally, it is possible that the authorities may acknowledge an error in the initial ticket and decide to reduce the amount of the fine. While less satisfactory, this solution is still preferable to paying the full amount of the disputed fine.
Co-founder of CBD.fr
Julien Cordobes is the editor of CBD.fr. Born in 1978 in the Paris region, he first trained in e-commerce before turning to natural health approaches, a dual perspective that now structures his way of writing about cannabidiol: reading the scientific literature as it is, without hardening the conclusions, and presenting it in a language that everyone understands.
He discovered CBD at a time when the French market was developing faster than the information available to it. He acquired CBD.fr in 2022 and then took on editorial responsibility for the blog. Since then, he has published numerous articles covering the daily use of CBD, the interpretation of laboratory analyses, the evolution of the legal framework, and precautions for use.
