A New Dawn for the CBD Industry

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a formal response to the Cannabis Trades Association (CTA), bringing long-awaited progress and clarification to the regulation of cannabidiol (CBD) products in the UK. 

In a letter dated 20 March 2025, Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy, addressed key points raised by the CTA in both their March and December 2024 communications. The response signals a significant shift towards clarity, structure, and eventual authorisation for CBD products.

Risk Managers preparing for public consultation

The FSA confirmed that its risk managers are preparing for a 12-week public consultation. This consultation will focus on the Terms of Authorisation (ToA) for the first three CBD applications currently under consideration. These ToAs will include product specifications, labelling requirements, and conditions of use. Once finalised, recommendations will be submitted to health ministers in England and Wales, and to Food Standards Scotland.

THC Safety Limits to be published soon

The FSA’s independent scientific advisory committees are expected to publish advice on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) safety levels in April or May 2025. Notably, this advice will be issued without the need for agreement from the Home Office, as it falls under food safety and within the FSA’s remit. 

The forthcoming guidance will include a safe upper limit for THC and will consider detection challenges, which will be factored into the authorisation conditions for CBD products.

Authorisation decisions imminent

The FSA reaffirmed its commitment to progressing CBD applications through the risk management process. While acknowledging delays caused by poor-quality applications and the retrospective nature of the process, the agency made it clear that applications are processed in the order they were received and based on quality. 

Five safety assessments have already been issued, with more to follow shortly.

Novel Foods Register will serve as Authorisation Record

Once applications are authorised, there will be no separate list of compliant CBD products. Instead, the FSA will update its official register of authorised novel foods. Businesses will be able to reference this register to demonstrate compliance, provided their products adhere to the conditions of approval. The FSA will not endorse individual products or maintain a separate product-level list.

Clarification on public list and new products

The current CBD Public List remains a static, interim tool. No new products or white-labelled variants will be added. Any new product introduced to the market without authorisation will not benefit from the previous tolerance offered to listed products. Local authorities retain the right to enforce action against such non-compliant products.

Continued stakeholder engagement

As regulatory decisions move forward, the FSA has pledged to engage with stakeholders including the CTA. Updates to the operation of the Public List and future compliance advice will be shared in collaboration with industry bodies to ensure informed and cooperative regulation.

THC Limits will be built into Authorisations

Each CBD application’s Terms of Authorisation will include specific THC limits. These limits will be based on the applicant’s data and the FSA’s independent evaluation, ensuring that products meet the necessary safety requirements before gaining approval.

Recognition of Industry Challenges

The FSA acknowledged the difficulties faced by businesses operating under a retrospective application system and with the added complication of the Public List. Nevertheless, the agency reiterated that quality data and complete applications are the key to moving forward. The focus remains on progressing credible applications to full authorisation in the shortest possible timeframe.

Conclusion

Rebecca Sudworth’s letter offers much-needed reassurance and transparency to the UK CBD sector. With clear timelines, upcoming THC safety guidance, and the commencement of a 12-week consultation, the path toward a regulated and compliant market is finally emerging. The CTA and other industry stakeholders are set to play a central role in this process as the FSA continues to implement its food safety mandate.

This response marks a pivotal moment for the UK CBD industry. It reinforces the importance of collaboration, quality data, and compliance, and signals that a regulated future for CBD products is firmly within reach.