A UK group focused on hemp products is raising concerns about how the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is managing requests related to CBD regulations. This comes as the approval process for CBD products has stalled, leaving many questions unanswered for years.
Recently, a formal request was made by Hemp Hound and supported by various industry stakeholders. They argue that certain whole-plant hemp foods, like full-spectrum extracts, shouldn’t automatically be categorized as novel foods under UK regulations. According to existing rules, foods not frequently consumed before May 1997 must undergo a special authorization process.
If the FSA accepts this challenge, it could change how CBD and hemp-based foods are regulated in the UK.
However, there are questions about the FSA’s transparency in handling these requests. Cefyn Jones from Hemp Hound pointed out that the FSA discussed his submission with the Cannabis Trade Association (CTA) without him present. He provided evidence that such a meeting took place, contradicting the FSA’s claim that they don’t share details of submissions with third parties. This raises serious concerns about governance and accountability within the FSA.
As of early 2026, the FSA listed over 11,000 CBD products, but many remain in limbo. More than 10,000 products are still awaiting evidence, and only a handful have been fully authorized. The slow approval process has led to a cloud of uncertainty for those in the CBD market.
Hemp Hound argues historical methods of producing hemp products should not be considered novel. They refer to techniques like cold pressing and tincturing that have a long track record before the 1997 cutoff. A similar debate unfolded in Europe in 2019 when regulations classified CBD and hemp extracts as new foods, prompting a backlash from industry players who argued that this would create legal confusion.
Experts suggest that addressing these regulatory challenges is essential for the growth of the CBD market in the UK. They note that delays and uncertainties not only affect businesses but also consumer access to CBD products that are increasingly in demand for their potential health benefits.
As conversations around CBD and hemp products continue, these developments highlight the ongoing tension between regulation and innovation, and they call for clarity and efficiency in bringing beneficial products to market.
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