The State Agricultural and Food Inspection (SZPI) of the Czech Republic is putting together broad regulations regarding ban on CBD products. They will make it illegal to sell products containing cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids derived from hemp.
Current status of products with CBD in Czech Republic
The Czech Republic’s food industry currently offers items with natural or synthetic CBD, as well as other cannabinoids. They come in a variety of forms that we can purchase, including oils, tinctures, jellies, sweets, candies, capsules, and many more. Foods containing CBD, however, qualify as so-called novel foods under the Regulation (EU) on Novel Foods. It is because of lack of significant consumption in the EU prior to May 15, 1997. EU members cannot sell such food unless it has passed the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) safety inspection and received its market authorization.
Because of this, the Czech government has decided to ban the sale of foods and nutritional supplements containing CBD and other cannabinoids. In other EU member states, this is also applicable. It is because of the fact that the effects of these compounds on human health have not undergone adequate scientific investigation.
European CBD food market
Zdenk Nekula, the minister of agriculture, underlines that he puts a high priority on food safety. He is unable to allow the sale of food for which the EFSA can not guarantee for its safety. The minister claims that it may impact some companies involved in the food industry. He also points out that many businesses have complied with their requirements by determining whether or not their items qualify for novel food. Nevertheless, Czech Republic wants to legalise recreational cannabis and is working on it.
The EFSA has identified a number of areas that require further research. It is important to study how this substance affects the neurological system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and other bodily systems. The effects of CBD-containing products on human health have not yet been thoroughly studied.
CBD as a novel food – current situation
European Comission received more than 190 requests for authorization of CBD, Cannabis sativa L. extracts, and products containing cannabinoids under the Novel Food Regulation. Twenty of these applications have thus far been confirmed valid by the Commission and are being assessed by EFSA. The European Food Safety Authority, in a statement from June 2022, listed a number of potential risks. They stated that they need more research over several data gaps regarding potential health risks and safety of CBD. As of right now, under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods, neither CBD nor any other cannabinoids, nor any products containing either CBD or other cannabinoids produced from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, have been authorized.
Although the EU catalog has no legal status, in practice it is important for national authorities, including the Czech authorities. Currently, it is not possible to sell CBD as products intended for consumption in Czech Republic. At the EU level, there is an application for the approval of CBD as an ingredient in dietary supplements for adults with a daily recommended dosen of up to 130 mg.