The UK FSA (Food Standards Assoc) Want Endgame of Zero THC in CBD Products Suggests Media Report

This obsession with THC is never ending…

FAS Board Member – Mark Rolfe

“I also take issue with the claim that it’s almost impossible to extract THC completely. From my experience and test results of legitimate CBD products, it is feasible to achieve zero detectable THC and other illegal cannabinoids using advanced spectrometry methods.

Business of Cannabis

Following last week’s surprise announcement of a roadmap for the final stages of a number of CBD novel food applications, which would set a precedent for CBD regulation across the globe, the meeting sought to answer some of the key questions raised by the report.

Despite the welcome progress, the session will likely have rung alarm bells for many in the industry, amid numerous suggestions the FSA is leaning towards a 0% THC approach for CBD products.

Robert Jappie, leading cannabis lawyer and partner at law firm Fieldfisher, told Business of Cannabis: “The direction of travel is clear and it’s not good news for advocates of full spectrum products. The FSA board leans further towards a position of ‘as little THC as scientifically possible’ rather than a permissible limit. There’s a clear desire to distinguish their position from the Home Office’s enforcement limit of 1mg.”

The meeting

Held on the morning of Wednesday December 11, 2024, the meeting sought to focus on the progress and next steps in managing the risk of CBD products, following confirmation three initial safety assessments had been completed earlier this year.

As part of the final risk management phase, the FSA has asked for the board to approve five key principles guiding CBD risk management and discuss their application to the novel food process.

While positive’s for the industry were discussed in terms of increased transparency, efficiency and collaboration in the approval process moving forward, the rhetoric surrounding THC levels in CBD products soon showed signs the industry could be heading for even tighter restrictions.

The FSA’s Tom Vincent, who published the aforementioned report late last month, began by inviting discussion on two key topics, one of which referred to THC levels.

Read all at

https://businessofcannabis.com/uk-regulators-signal-goal-for-zero-detectable-thc-in-cbd-products-in-worrying-signs-for-full-spectrum-advocates/

FSA Bio Mark Rolfe

Outlines the professional history of our Board Members and gives details of any business interests they may have in order to ensure transparency.

By profession, Mark is a Chartered Trading Standards Practitioner. Prior to taking up his current role, he spent over 30 years in the profession both delivering and leading the service in Kent.

In 2024 Mark took up his role as Head of Community Protection with responsibility for Community Safety, Coroners, Scientific Services and Trading Standards with Kent County Council.

During his career Mark has been engaged in food standards service provision and the investigation of consumer fraud. Mark served on the National Tasking Group for National Trading Standards and was also a Director of Trading Standards South East Ltd., a partnership organisation of Trading Standards Services in the South East region. As well as being a member of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute Mark is also an associate member of the Association of Public Analysts.

Mark served on the FSA Science Council since its inception in 2017 as the member representing consumers’ and citizens’ interests.

Outside of work, Mark is married to Jane, a Headteacher, and has three grown up children. Mark is on the Board of Governors at a large secondary school.

Personal Interests

Consultancies and/or direct employment

Head of Community Protection, Kent County Council, with responsibility for Community Safety, Coroners, Scientific Services and Trading Standards.
Chartered Trading Standards Practitioner