Europe’s EFSA Issues Stark Safety Warning on Hemp CBD and THC Human Exposure Levels

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a report on hemp-derived products and THC levels.

The report assessed data of 588 samples of hemp and hemp-derived products to determine exposure to THC. Specifically, the report looked at acute dietary exposure for consumers of hemp and hemp-derived dietary supplements. The dietary supplements comprised of 26 samples. Concerning the sample sizes and categories, the reporters indicated that the results should be “interpreted with caution” given that there is uncertainty associated with occurrence levels, and thus, the outcome of the exposure assessment. The maximum amount of THC in the samples assessed was 0.2%.

The report ultimately concluded that exposure to THC was exceeded in adult consumers of most hemp and hemp-containing products in the sample. However, the report also recognized that there is more research needed to obtain sensitive and validated methods and for them to be translated to official methods. The report also encouraged member states to collect and submit to the EFSA more occurrence data for THC in food and especially of animal origin, such as eggs and meat of animals fed with hemp and hemp-derived products.

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