A growing body of peer-reviewed scientific research, along with testimonials from consumers and patients, demonstrates that cannabidiol (CBD) is safe for humans and, in many cases, offers multiple health benefits.
Unfortunately, government and public policies often diverge from the understanding of researchers, consumers, and patients. Governments around the world either continue to ban CBD products or impose significant barriers to their legalization.
Although the UK was one of the first countries to regulate CBD as a novel food, the British government has been slow to modernize its CBD policies and regulations. Recently, UK regulators announced several changes and upcoming timelines related to CBD products.
“According to the latest updates issued earlier this week by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), businesses are encouraged to comply with the provisional acceptable daily intake (ADI) for CBD, set at 10 mg per day (equivalent to 0.15 mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight for a 70 kg adult), as well as the safety limit for THC, set at 0.07 mg per day (equivalent to 1 microgram of THC per kilogram of body weight for a 70 kg adult).”
The government agency stated in its press release: “The safety limit for THC has been agreed upon based on recommendations from our independent Scientific Advisory Committee, which were also published today.”
The FSA now advises businesses to reformulate their products in line with evidence from independent scientific committee consultations. This move will make it easier for companies to follow the latest guidelines and allow consumers to access more CBD products that comply with the FSA’s recommended limits. Products that have not yet been reformulated may remain on the list pending the outcome of their associated novel food applications. Some UK CBD companies are currently seeking government approval to bring their products to market. These companies will have the opportunity to adjust their formulations to meet the updated limits.
The FSA stated: “The updated guidelines encourage businesses to comply with new food regulations while prioritizing public health. Allowing companies to reformulate their products at this stage will make the authorization process more efficient, while consumers will benefit from safer CBD products on the market.”
Thomas Vincent of the FSA said: “Our pragmatic approach enables CBD businesses to take the right steps while ensuring consumer safety. This flexibility provides a clearer path forward for the CBD industry while ensuring products meet our safety standards.”
CBD is one of many chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. It is found in cannabis and hemp plants and can also be synthesized artificially. CBD extracts can be derived from most parts of the hemp or cannabis plant. They may be selectively extracted to concentrate CBD, though certain processes may alter their chemical composition.
### The UK’s Regulatory Landscape
The status of CBD as a novel food in the UK was confirmed in January 2019. This is why CBD food products require authorization to be legally sold in the UK. Currently, no CBD extracts or isolates have been authorized for the market.
In the UK, hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, ground hemp seeds, (partially) defatted hemp seeds, and other hemp seed-derived foods are not considered novel foods. Hemp leaf infusions (without flowering or fruiting tops) are also not classified as novel foods, as there is evidence they were consumed before May 1997. However, CBD extracts themselves, as well as any products containing CBD extracts as an ingredient (e.g., hemp seed oil with added CBD), are considered novel foods. This also applies to extracts from other cannabinoid-containing plants listed in the EU’s novel food catalog.
Under the regulations, CBD food businesses must use the FSA’s regulated products application service to seek authorization for CBD extracts, isolates, and related products they intend to market in the UK. In most cases, the applicant is the manufacturer, but other entities (such as trade associations and suppliers) may also apply.
Once a CBD ingredient is authorized, the authorization applies only to that specific ingredient. This means the exact same production methods, uses, and safety evidence described in the authorization must be followed. If a novel food is authorized and listed based on proprietary scientific data or protected information, only the applicant is permitted to market it for five years.
According to a recent market analysis by industry research firm The Research Insights, “The global CBD market was valued at $9.14 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $22.05 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8%.”
Post time: Jul-15-2025