Stand Against the European Commission's Proposal to Restrict Natural CBD Extracts
Author: Ondrej Stovicek
As part of the approval process for CBD as a "Novel Food," the European Commission has recently halted applications and is now considering classifying natural hemp extracts as drugs. This move could potentially ban the free availability of CBD as we know it, replacing it with synthetic, chemically created alternatives. We strongly oppose this decision and urge others to join us in expressing disagreement.
Why We Disagree with the European Commission's Proposal
The European Commission’s preliminary opinion suggests that natural extracts from industrial hemp should be classified as narcotic psychotropic substances, thereby restricting their use, even though these extracts contain only authorized cannabinoids, including CBD, and exclude unauthorized THC. This opinion appears to be politically motivated rather than based on scientific evidence.
Historically, natural hemp extracts have been used for generations, including by our grandmothers, in the form of supplements to promote health, prevent various ailments, and often reduce the need for commercially available medicines. Numerous studies confirm the safety and beneficial effects of these substances on the body. This is further supported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Czech State Institute of Public Health, which have set a safe reference daily intake dose for these products.
Key Points of Concern
-
Clinical Studies and Safety: Clinical studies conducted for the approval of CBD as a Novel Food, along with assessments by EFSA, confirm that natural hemp extracts are safe. The claim that these extracts should now be classified as narcotics contradicts their historical and scientific background.
-
Discrimination Against Natural Extracts: The proposed restrictions unfairly target natural extracts, while chemically or synthetically produced substances with the same effects and chemical composition are not subject to the same restrictions. This discriminates against natural products in favor of synthetic alternatives.
-
Impact on Farmers and Small Businesses: If these restrictions are implemented, they will harm farmers and small food business operators by removing a significant market opportunity, especially during these challenging economic times. The benefits of natural hemp extracts should not be reserved for large multinational corporations that can afford the synthetic production of these substances.
-
Global Trends Towards Liberalization: In contrast to the European Commission’s restrictive stance, countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and China are moving towards the liberalization of hemp and CBD products. The World Health Organization (WHO) is even considering relaxing rules on hemp and THC, with some countries discussing full market liberalization.
-
Consumer Rights and Free Market Competition: This proposal restricts consumer choice and undermines competition, which is a fundamental principle of the EU’s Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Consumers should have the right to choose natural products that are freely available on the market as food supplements.
Join Us in Taking Action
We urge you to sign our petition to oppose the European Commission’s proposal. By signing, you will stand against the classification of industrial hemp extracts (including CBD) as narcotics and psychotropic substances. We believe that natural hemp products should continue to be available as over-the-counter food supplements in the EU market, with appropriate food safety and consumer protection measures already in place and regularly monitored by national authorities.
[Sign the Petition Here]
Let’s protect the rights of farmers, small businesses, and consumers to access safe, natural hemp products.