Road to Regulation - Consumer safety and clarity

Over the past few years there have been concerns about the quality and safety of the CBD that is available online and on the High Street. Indeed, in 2019 a report by the industry body the Centre for Medical Cannabis blind-tested 30 products advertising themselves as CBD, of those it found 45% had measurable levels of THC, making them illegal in the UK, and only 38% of the products tested had levels of CBD within 10% of the amount advertised on the bottles. Responsible producers and suppliers, however, want to bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding the regulation of CBD and ensure consumer safety and clarity on the products they are buying.

 So what does this mean?

From the 13th February 2020, manufacturers of CBD were required by the Food Standards Agency to submit a Novel Food application in the UK prior to sale. According to the FSA novel food is defined as "foods or food ingredients which do not have a history of consumption before May1997 should be evaluated and authorised before they can be placed on the market." This will mean that producers will need to submit manufacturing, extraction, and production information for review, scientific assessment and approval. Furthermore, after 31st March 2021, the FSA have stated that only foods that have submitted a valid application will be allowed to remain on sale.

Meanwhile, the Cannabis Trade Association, have raised certain issues with the FSA, they are "of the opinion that natural (not isolates or synthetic forms) CBD products do not fall under the scope of the Novel Food Schedule" but despite this they do "believe it is a positive step towards ensuring consumer safety and that CBD will be on the shelves for many years to come." Our producers, British Cannabis, as the largest producer, manufacturer and distributor of legal cannabis derived products in the UK, have submitted their application to the FSA, but as a member of the CTA they are aware of the problems that lie ahead. However, all believe there is a way forward for the CBD industry, which safeguards the customer and the industry itself.

As has been said before, in relation to CBD, watch this space!!

"The CTA is the largest and oldest cannabinoid centric trade association for the UK and Europe, working with all sectors of hemp and cannabis industry to promote good practical advice and ensure consumers of legal cannabis and hemp products have access to top quality information"

Both the CTA and British Cannabis work with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, (MHRA), and the FSA.

Please visit our website www.cbdbyhush.com to see our range of CBD products.