On Tuesday 7 June, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said that the safety assessment of cannabidiol (CBD) as a novel food had been suspended pending further data.
Cannabidiol is a substance that can be obtained from Cannabis sativa L. plants and can also be chemically synthesised.
EFSA considered that there was insufficient data on the effect of CBD on the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system, the nervous system and the psychological well-being of individuals to be able to give an opinion.
It had been asked by the European Commission to provide a scientific opinion on the safety of this substance in view of its possible authorisation under Regulation 2015/2283 on novel foods.
The onus is now on the manufacturers applying for market authorisation to fill the data gaps and uncertainties.
Animal studies show significant negative effects, particularly with regard to reproduction. It is necessary to establish what this means for human beings.
EFSA’s Expert Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) has received 19 applications for the authorisation of CBD as a novel food.
An online information session for applicants and other groups or individuals interested in this issue is scheduled for 28 June.
See the EFSA statement: https://aeur.eu/f/1yi (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)