CBD swiftly surfaced from the shadows of cannabis culture

January 3, 2024

Contrary to popular belief, CBD is not a new discovery. It is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant, and its use can be traced back centuries. Ancient civilizations utilized cannabis for various medicinal purposes, showcasing the long-standing tradition of its therapeutic properties.

While CBD itself may not be a new player on the scene, the legal landscape surrounding its use is still evolving. The confusion arises when CBD is incorporated into food products or cosmetics. Regulatory bodies worldwide are grappling with defining clear guidelines for the use of CBD in these consumer goods. The lack of uniform regulations has led to varying interpretations and enforcement practices, contributing to the prevailing uncertainty.

Cannabis sativa L. including “water infusion of hemp leaves (when not accompanied by the flowering and fruiting tops) consumed as such or as part of herbal infusions” is not novel in food – according to the information available to the Member States’ competent authorities, this product was used for human consumption to a significant degree within the Union before 15 May 1997. Thus, it is not considered to be ‘novel’ according to the provisions of the Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and its access to the market is not subject to the pre-market authorisation in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

CBD is allowed to be sold as a cosmetic but as soon as a CBD-containing cosmetic product contains a detectable dose of THC, it is intended to be a THC preparation controlled by the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances and in accordance with the procedures specified in the regulatory acts regulating the circulation of narcotic and psychotropic substances and medicines