Ordering weed online: is it legal and safe ?

The legality of ordering weed online in France

Let's be clear, ordering weed (when we're talking cannabis with a THC level greater than 0.2%) on the net is not legal at all in France, according to the law that's in place. Whether it's

• to smoke, to carry,

• to sell

• or to buy cannabis, that's flatly forbidden by French law, and it counts for stuff you buy on the net too.

On the other hand, there's a small exception: products that contain CBD, which is another thing found in cannabis, but which doesn't get you high. If the product has less than 0.2% THC (which is what gives cannabis its psychotropic effects), it's legal in France, and you're allowed to buy it on the net.

But be careful, you absolutely have to check that these products comply with French standards before pulling out your credit card.

Can we order weed from a country where it's legal and have it delivered to France?

Even if you can buy weed legally in the country where it comes from, it's still forbidden to bring it to France, because smoking, possessing or selling cannabis (with a THC level higher than 0.2%) is not allowed by law. And even if you order weed online from a country where it's legal, it's still illegal under French law.

Basically, if you order weed on the net from a country where it's legal to have it delivered to France, you're breaking French law. It can cost you dearly, with hefty fines and maybe even jail time.

Ordering weed on the net, even from countries where it's legal, can involve additional risks, such as the quality and safety of the product, not to mention the protection of your personal information. So it's really advisable to avoid ordering weed online, even from countries where it's legal, unless you live in that country and know the local laws well.

The risks and safety of ordering weed over the internet

Ordering weed over the internet carries considerable risks. As well as getting you into trouble with the law, there are also health risks associated with the quality of what you buy. It's not uncommon for illegal stuff to contain stuff that's bad for your health, or for the quality to leave something to be desired.

Ordering weed on the internet can present risks for the security of personal data. Illegal sites are often a real pain when it comes to security, and don't necessarily have the right safeguards to keep your sensitive info safe. When you make a purchase online, you're often giving out personal and banking information, and you don't want all that to end up in the hands of ill-intentioned people.

How to stay safe when buying CBD products online ?

For starters, opting for well-known and trusted online sellers is a great way to ensure the quality and legality of the CBD products you buy. Many websites from reputable suppliers offer complete transparency on the provenance and composition of their products.

It's super important to know what you're putting in your cart. You want to be sure that what you want to buy contains less than 0.2% THC, which is the legal limit in France. That way, you can be sure you're not breaking the law. If possible, the product should be accompanied by a report from an independent lab, confirming the amount of cannabinoids and the absence of unclear stuff in it.

You have to be careful with your personal data. Make sure you use secure sites (those that start with "https") and don't give out your personal info on unsecured sites. Also, when you pay, do so with a secure means to protect your financial information.

And don't forget to take a look at the seller's return policy. If you're not happy with the product, can you return it and get your money back?

Finally, listen to your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, or if a website seems suspicious, it's best to look elsewhere.

The key to safely ordering weed over the internet is to be informed, aware and cautious.

What are the penalties if you order weed over the internet ?

In France, we don't mess around with the law on cannabis. Basically, French law says no to anything that's

• produce,

• manufacture,

• transport,

• import,

• export,

• know about you,

• propose,

• sell,

• buy

• or use drugs. 

And of course, cannabis, so weed, is classified as a drug.

If you don't play by the rules, you can find yourself charged with drug use. That can cost you up to a year behind bars and a plum that can go up to 3,750 euros. And if you're busted for drug trafficking, that's the real deal, with up to ten years in prison and a fine of 7.5 million euros.

You have to understand that even if you order your weed from a website where it's OK to use cannabis, you're still subject to French law as long as you live in France. Clearly, it's no way to import cannabis into France, whether by mail or otherwise.

So, in a word, it's really not the plan of the century to order weed over the internet if you live in France, given the big legal hiccups it can cause you.

But don't confuse cannabis containing THC, which is illegal, with CBD (cannabidiol), which is perfectly legal in France as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC.

Conclusion: ordering weed on the internet, a matter of discernment

Ordering weed over the internet in France is not a legal or risk-free practice. However, buying CBD products that meet French standards is allowed. So, you really have to watch out and stay smart to stay safe and not break the law. 

It's crucial to always check that products are in order, keep an eye on your personal info and turn to trusted sellers. That's how you'll avoid problems.