UK Retailers Remove CBD Products Amid New Regulations

Retail chains in the United Kingdom are removing food products containing the cannabis derivative cannabidiol (CBD) from their shelves. This move comes as local authorities have introduced strict new regulations for the industry.

In late March and early April, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) approved new rules for the sale of CBD products in the country. According to these rules, only products that have undergone an independent safety assessment are allowed to be sold. Currently, the register of “approved” and “awaiting approval” products includes 3,536 items—oral sprays, oils, baked goods, drinks, gummies, and more.

The FSA has recommended that law enforcement remove from the market any products not included in the register, unless retailers do so themselves in the near future. The agency noted that this decision should be seen as a fair compromise between people’s right to use what they believe helps them and a complete ban on CBD sales in the UK.

So far, there have been no reports of police raids. However, Bloomberg reports that online giant Amazon has begun removing CBD-containing products, including those with “awaiting approval” status (only 57 products are currently “approved”). The international health food chain Holland & Barrett also announced the removal of four products from its UK lineup. Other retailers have stated they are conducting a comprehensive review of their inventory.

According to Hanway Associates, a consulting firm specializing in the cannabis sector, the FSA’s measures may cause short-term disruptions in CBD sales. Some small manufacturers and distributors risk leaving the market entirely.

“The novel foods process is too lengthy, technically complex, and expensive for CBD producers,” said Charlotte Bowyer, head of the company. “There are also broader issues with the approval process, such as the requirement for animal testing.”