As CBD products head into the spotlight of the health food supplements market, the deadline for regulation of CBD edibles as a novel food moves closer. With little under a year before applications are to be submitted by companies manufacturing CBD edibles, there is a lot to be done to obtain the FSA novel foods dossier.
Requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Toxicology assessment
- Stability assessment
- 5 batches worth of manufacturing data
Why does this mean for the consumer?
The popularity of CBD edibles has soared in recent years because of the broad range of benefits associated with CBD and by means of good press, product availability, diversity in range and ease of use. CBD edibles come in a range of sizes and strengths and an ever-expanding palette of flavours. Until now we have sought quality CBD products by seeking lab tested high quality products with a reputable name, but beyond these lab tested CBD products there is very little regulation. The idea behind novel food regulation is to ensure that products are safe for consumers and labelled appropriately so that they do not mislead the consumer.CBD edibles reclassified as food
As of March 2021 manufacturers and retailers of CBD edible products must hold a valid FSA approved dossier for each individual CBD product. Most players in the European cannabis industry will need to comply with FSA regulation and manufacturers without the FSA novel food approval will no longer be able to sell their goods. Many businesses will find it strange and frustrating that these extracts have been considered non-novel for thousands of years and now they are being treated by courts and certain regulators as novel. The upside of this FSA regulation will be that, as consumers, shopping for edible CBD products post March 2021, will be getting exactly what it says on the tin. Manufacturers will have certification about the purity and strength of their products on the market and a guarantee of quality, therefore leaving us reassured about what we are purchasing. As it currently stands, companies making CBD edibles need to get the wheels in motion for obtaining an FSA novel food dossier in order to be able to legally sell their products as of March 2021. Currently, as consumers of CBD edibles we can shop at our free will and hope that our favourite brand CBD gummy or CBD tea is certified by March; if not, we can rest assured that the products available as of that date will be certified and regulated.What does this mean for the CBD industry?
So, with the FSA regulating edible CBD products as a novel food, we can see that the CBD market is here to stay. Research is ongoing and new CBD product ranges are emerging each day. The health benefits and properties of medical marijuana are being recognised the world over and, as an ever-evolving andprogressive community, we are adopting, adapting and embracing the qualities and benefits of CBD products. We can expect that with the new rules and regulations in regards to edible CBD products as a novel food, CBD is likely to grow in popularity. The downside to all of the positives consumers will benefit from is that small businesses producing CBD edibles may not have the scope to have their unique merchandise classified as a mainstream food. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are ‘bad products’ but we might see them slowly disappearing out of our favourite shops.Are strict guidelines in place for manufacturers to classify their CBD edibles as novel foods?
Manufacturers of CBD edibles will need to provide things like a toxicology assessment, a stability assessment and five batches worth of manufacturing data. For more information on the FSA requirements and further reading check these links:- https://www.medicpro.london/cbd-regulation-laws-uk/
- https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/cannabidiol-cbd
Do homemade edibles get reclassified in March 2021?
Although manufacturers of CBD products will need to obtain the correct dossier in order to sell their products in the U.K. post March 2021, there is no evidence to suggest that homemade CBD products will be reclassified (providing they do not contain an illegal amount of THC and are not being sold to the public).CBD edibles FAQ
Most people interested in edible CBD have a few things they would like to know before they purchase one of a large selection of edibles. Let us highlight the main questions here:What counts as a CBD edible?
A CBD edible is basically an edible food type product that we can consume that contains the cannabinoid CBD. Edible CBD products come in many forms, including:- Teas and coffee
- Confectionary (like jellies, chocolate and gummies)
- Protein powder
- Capsules
- Food additives (powders and liquids)
How long does it take for CBD edibles to work?
For this answer there are many unique variables specific to each individual. Edibles take some time to be metabolised and processed by the human body, which can typically be anywhere between 30 minutes and up to an hour. Sometimes it can be longer dependent on factors, including (amongst many others):- Personal metabolism rate
- Body weight
- Diet
- Level of fitness
Are CBD edibles legal in the UK?
The answer is yes! CBD edibles are legal in the U.K. providing that they comply with the EU limit of less than 0.2% THC. THC is the main cannabinoid found in cannabis plants and is responsible for causing a ‘high’. CBD itself is non psychoactive; the World Health Organisation stated that ”i]n humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential”. Buying your CBD edibles from a reputable CBD distributor and checking that the product is lab tested is advised. If you would like to learn more about CBD products or some of the many benefits of CBD check out our blog where we post regular guides and updates..When should I take CBD edibles?
Choosing the correct product for you and your unique circumstances is really the key here. First choose a product that you enjoy and you can easily integrate into your schedule, most edibles are good at home and on the move. Try your CBD edibles and see how long they take to work for you. If you need a CBD boost to get your day started, a CBD brew like tea or coffee might be the right choice. If you are on the move then a quick nibble on a CBD chocolate bar could be the way. Time your dosage so that the effects start when you need them most.What can I take CBD for?
CBD products reportedly help improve symptoms of many ailments and conditions such as (but not limited to):- Arthritis
- Anxiety and stress disorders
- Seizures
- Acne
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain conditions
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