Hemp industry in France: jobs, territories and future in light of the 2026 Finance Bill

• October 28 2025, by Terry Esteve
• 3 min reading time

🌿 Introduction

The French hemp industry, long perceived as marginal, now represents a major economic lever for rural and urban areas.
Between farmers, artisans, laboratories and specialized businesses, more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs depend on this rapidly changing sector.

But with the arrival of the 2026 Finance Bill (PLF 2026) , a danger looms: the implementation of an unsuitable tax system could permanently unbalance this ecosystem, already weakened by years of regulatory uncertainty.

⚖️ 1. A booming sector, driven by local areas

Hemp is no longer a niche market.
According to estimates from professional unions, France has more than 2,000 producers and nearly 3,500 outlets specializing in hemp-based wellness products.

This development can be explained by three factors:

• a growing demand for natural wellness solutions,

• multiple markets (textiles, construction, cosmetics, food),

• and a French agricultural sector with historical expertise in this plant.

In regions like Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine or Drôme, hemp has made it possible to diversify crops and revitalize rural areas .

💰 2. The potential shock of the 2026 Finance Bill

The 2026 Finance Bill plans to subject CBD products "likely to be smoked" to an excise tax , identical to that applied to tobacco.
This measure could have several dramatic consequences:

• Collapse of profit margins for specialist retailers.

• Gradual disappearance of small independent structures , unable to bear the burden of taxation and administrative compliance.

• Concentration of the market in the hands of approved networks (tobacconists, large chains).

Behind these figures, local jobs and entrepreneurial diversity are at risk of disappearing.

🌱 3. Herbeevor: an example of local roots and commitment

Created in Brest, Herbeevor embodies this virtuous model:

• 100% of its partners are French.

• The brand supports local sport through an annual sponsorship of €2,297 to the Brest Roller Club .

• and has always prioritized traceability and artisanal quality .

Despite the recent closure of its physical store, Herbeevor continues to invest in innovation while preparing for the creation of its Concept Store 2028 .
A project geared towards the future, but deeply rooted in the local economy .

🧩 4. What the industry requires

French hemp entrepreneurs and producers are not asking for special treatment.
They are simply asking:

• Differentiated regulations between smokable and non-smokable products,

• a genuine dialogue between legislators and stakeholders on the ground

• and a stable tax framework allowing for long-term investment.

The establishment of a national “Responsible Hemp” label , supported by quality standards, could offer a balanced path between regulation and development.

🌍 5. Conclusion

The 2026 Finance Bill must be a reasoned turning point, not a condemnation .
Behind the figures are farmers, artisans, families and entire territories that live off this plant.

If France wants to maintain its European leadership in hemp, it must choose economic intelligence, not over-taxation.
Herbeevor, for its part, will continue to defend a model: local, botanical, sustainable.

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