As is the case in the United States, Europe lacks sufficiently reliable scientific data to support the safety of products infused with full spectrum hemp extract.

In January 2019, the European Union (EU) reclassified extracts of cannabis sativa L. and derived products containing cannabinoids, including CBD, as “Novel Food” under the EU Novel Food Catalogue. The reclassification was based on the lack of demonstrated history of human consumption of these extracts and of any product to which they might be added.

As one would naturally suspect, the Novel Food Application process is time consuming and expensive. Every successful Novel Food Application goes through three phases (the “Application Assessment,” the “Safety Assessment” and the “Marketing Authorization”), which last 3 to 4 years and require a hefty budget of €350,000 to €500,000.

– Read the entire article at The Fresh Toast.