CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many cannabinoids found in hemp. It has no psychoactive effect — unlike THC — and is regulated in France under a precise legal framework since 2021.
Where does it come from?
CBD is extracted from Cannabis sativa L. flowers and leaves — the plant also known as hemp. Three extraction methods dominate the market:
- Supercritical CO₂ — cleanest method, no solvent residue, but expensive. Aromatic profile preserved.
- Ethanol — effective, economical, terpenes sometimes altered depending on temperature.
- Vegetable oil — soft, traditional, used for full-spectrum oils.
At Horus, our suppliers work almost exclusively with supercritical CO₂ for oils and mechanical selection for flowers.
Full spectrum, broad spectrum, isolate — what's the difference?
- Full spectrum — all hemp cannabinoids preserved, including legal THC ≤ 0.3%. Best expresses the entourage effect, the natural synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Broad spectrum — no THC, other cannabinoids preserved. Reassuring for those subject to roadside or workplace tests.
- Isolate — 99%+ pure CBD. Neutral taste, no entourage effect, ideal for formulated cosmetics or neutral e-liquid.
How to read a product page
Three pieces of information must always be present:
- CBD content (in mg or %) — concentration of cannabidiol.
- THC content — strictly ≤ 0.3% to be legal in France.
- Batch number and analysis date — to check the certificate.
If any of these is missing, walk away. A serious shop provides them without you having to ask.
What about French law?
Following the EU Kanavape ruling (19 November 2020) and the French ministerial order of 30 December 2021, marketing CBD products is legal in France as long as THC content stays ≤ 0.3%. Raw flowers and leaves remain in a grey area — sale is tolerated but may be locally restricted. All Horus products comply strictly with the legal limit, lab analyses on file.
Limits and precautions
We make no therapeutic claims: CBD is not a medicine. For health questions, consult a professional. Use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Driving after consumption should be avoided as a precaution — residual THC in full-spectrum products may, in some cases, affect a saliva test.
What's next?
Now that you grasp the basics, browse our flower, oil and resin selection or continue with our guide on choosing between flowers, resins and oils.