The Czech Republic is planning to prohibit the sale of products containing cannabidiol (CBD) and other hemp-derived substances, according to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture. These products are being sold in the Czech market as oils, tinctures, candies, and even bonbons. The ban is due to the fact that these products are considered “novel foods” under EU regulations, as they were not consumed in significant amounts in member states before May 1997. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) must confirm their safety before they can be sold.

The ministry did not indicate when the ban would take effect, but companies would not be allowed to sell their remaining stock once it is issued. The Minister of Agriculture, Zdeněk Nekula, stated that companies must verify whether their products are “novel foods” under European legislation before putting them on the market. He added that the ban would impact some food business operators, although many had already fulfilled the obligation.

CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in hemp plants and is closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in hemp. The EFSA has identified several areas that need to be examined, such as the effects of CBD on the liver, nervous system, and psychological functions. The European Commission considers CBD a food rather than a narcotic substance, as it is not classified as a psychoactive substance.

The move to ban CBD products has raised concerns among the industry and consumer groups in the Czech Republic. The Czech Association of Hemp Growers and Processors has criticized the decision as “short-sighted,” arguing that it could harm the local hemp industry, which has been thriving in recent years. Additionally, some consumers have expressed disappointment that they can no longer buy CBD products for their health and wellness needs.

The debate over regulating CBD and other hemp-derived products continues, with different countries adopting varying approaches to their legalization and sale. The Ministry of Agriculture believes that CBD should not be banned altogether but should be subject to proper regulation and assessment to ensure its consumer safety. The European Commission has received over 190 requests for permission to use CBD and hemp extracts, with the EFSA currently evaluating 20. However, the EFSA has identified several potential risks associated with CBD and needs more data on the possible health effects before confirming its safety.

Article by Prague Forum