"We find that completely absurd." Paul Maclean, representative of the Union of CBD Professionals (UPCBD), reacted to AFP. “This position that the General Directorate for Food (DGAL) is killing an agricultural sector (and) risks killing more than 2,000 specialized shops located in city centers.” "You can take CBD, but you can just not take it in food form, which makes absolutely no sense."he became annoyed.
THE CBD for smoking or in liquid form for electronic cigarettes It remains authorized. The European "Novel Food" regulation, which applies to all food not traditionally consumed within the EU, has been in force since 1997 and requires new products to apply for authorization. However, according to several sources, food products containing CBD have not yet obtained this authorization.
"A direct threat to the industry"
Thus, according to Paul Maclean, the DGAL, which until now had tolerated these products under certain conditions, announced in mid-April to representatives of the sector that it "There would no longer be any tolerance for food products containing CBD, starting May 15th."
The Confédération paysanne, the third largest agricultural union and a major advocate for hemp producers – the plant from which CBD is derived – denounced the move in a statement on Wednesday. "A direct threat to the industry."
“Hundreds of producers, farmers, diversified farms, marketing channels in the process of being established, and short supply chain projects are now in danger,” the union believes, arguing that the decision favours industrial models since it is very costly to obtain a derogation from the European regulation and only large players have the means to submit applications.
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"This is a European regulation that is not mandatory."
When contacted by AFP, the Directorate General for Food did not respond immediately, but the government is expected to communicate in the coming days, the Ministry of Agriculture stated.
According to him, CBD food accounts for 40% of CBD store revenue. "We do not agree with" this "very restrictive interpretation" of a European regulation, Paul Maclean added. "This is a European regulation that is not mandatory. Member States have the choice not to apply it.", according to the Union representative, who "is studying the appeals".
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