The public consultation relates to proposed recommendations for the first CBD food products to be authorised as novel foods in Britain.
CBD is a non-controlled cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. It is found within hemp and cannabis plants and can be produced synthetically.
In the UK, CBD products such as oils, capsules, gummies, sweets and confectionery, and drinks are already being sold, with the consultation focusing on three application types that are the first to have successfully progressed through the initial safety assessment stages.
The Food Standards Agency is consulting on its draft recommendations with ministers in England and Wales to authorise these applications with clear labelling requirements that provide information about safe and appropriate use to help consumers make informed choices about CBD products.
If approved by ministers, products attached to the applications would become the first fully regulated CBD food products available on the UK market, subject to meeting the specifications of the authorisation.
The draft recommendations propose that all authorised CBD products should carry clear warning labels which state:
- Not suitable for persons under the age of 18
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for those trying to conceive
- Those taking medications or who are immunosuppressed should consult a healthcare professional before use
The consultation process will be open for 12 weeks before closing on 20 November. Food Standards Scotland also intends to start an equivalent consultation for Scotland this year.
Speaking on the launch of the consultation, Thomas Vincent, deputy director for innovation policy at the Food Standards Agency, said: “This is another step forward in the FSA’s work to bring CBD into compliance with the law. We encourage those with an interest in this area to respond to the consultation so that we can take account of a full range of views before putting our recommendations to Government ministers.
“With these recommendations, we are moving closer to a regulated market for CBD which will support growth in the industry while maintaining high safety standards.
“Authorisation of CBD food products will support the Government’s growth agenda by allowing businesses with approved products to reformulate and develop new brands and product lines. Currently, no CBD food products have legal authorisation in the UK.”