EU Sets THC Limits for MJ Products
The European Commission has approved new limits on the amount of THC allowed in cannabis-derived products that can be sold throughout the European Union. Previously, each EU member state set its own maximum allowable concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Unified Rules for the Cannabis Industry
According to the new regulations, dry cannabis products sold in the EU may contain no more than 3 mg of THC per kg (0.003%). This category includes seeds, protein, flour, bars, and other food products. For cannabis oil, the permitted THC concentration is 2.5 times higher: up to 7.5 mg per kg (0.0075%).
Until now, there were no unified EU-wide standards regulating THC content in cannabis products. As a result, some countries imposed strict requirements, while others took a more liberal approach. For example, Italy allowed the sale of dry food products and oil with THC concentrations up to 2 mg and 5 mg per kg, respectively. In Belgium, these limits were 3 mg for dry products and 7.5 mg for oil.
The leadership of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) welcomed the introduction of unified limits, commenting: “This initiative will put an end to internal market fragmentation and is likely to attract investment into the cannabis industry.”
New Standards Take Effect in April
According to EIHA representatives, all market participants will benefit from the adoption of common THC limits. Producers of cannabis-based foods will be able to manufacture the same products for all EU member states. Retailers will find it easier to operate, as they will only need to comply with a single legal requirement instead of 27 different ones. Finally, consumers will be able to purchase the same cannabis products in any EU country.
The amendments to the current law will take effect in the first half of April. To allow companies to sell existing inventory, the EU government will announce a transition period during which it will be legal to sell cannabis products with THC concentrations exceeding the new limits.
The European Commission’s Food Committee has recommended allowing a 40-50% margin of error for THC testing in cannabis products. However, authorities have not yet approved a specific threshold for measurement inaccuracies. EIHA will advocate for a 50% margin to make compliance as easy as possible for cannabis product manufacturers.