Cannabinoids

EU Commission Drafts Δ9-THC Limits for Hemp Leaf Infusions Under Regulation (EU) 2023/915

The EU is proposing specific maximum levels for Δ9-THC in hemp leaf infusions and ready-to-drink products under the Contaminants Regulation (EU) 2023/915. Manufacturers must prepare for strict concentration limits and mandatory safety labeling, including consumer warnings and preparation instructions, to maintain market access for hemp-based beverages.

5 Apr 2026, 18:49data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EDQM Publishes Pharmeuropa 38.2 Draft Ph. Eur. Texts For Consultation

The EDQM has opened consultations on 46 new or revised European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) standards, covering key active substances and general testing chapters. Businesses should assess these drafts before the June 30, 2026 deadline, as adopted monographs become mandatory quality and safety requirements for pharmaceutical market access in Europe.

EU EFSA NDA Panel Cannot Establish Safety of CO2 Hemp Extract Novel Food Under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

EFSA has issued a negative scientific opinion on CO2 hemp extracts, concluding that safety cannot be established due to insufficient characterization and toxicological data. This decision reinforces the high evidentiary bar for cannabinoid-based novel foods, signaling continued market access delays and the need for more robust, substance-specific safety data.

1 Apr 2026, 18:44efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

Denmark Adopts New Controlled Substances Order (BEK 405 of 2026)

Denmark’s updated Executive Order on euphoriant substances (BEK 405) entered into force on 29 March 2026, replacing the 2021 regulatory framework. Businesses must audit portfolios against updated substance lists and ensure rigorous compliance with tracking, reporting, and security obligations for controlled chemicals and hemp-derived products.

1 Apr 2026, 14:32retsinformation.dkDenmark

EU Notifies Draft Amendment to Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on Δ9‑THC in Hemp Leaf Infusions

The European Commission has proposed maximum levels for Δ9-THC in hemp leaf infusions under Regulation (EU) 2023/915, with a planned application date of January 2027. Manufacturers must prepare for strict concentration limits and mandatory safety labelling to mitigate acute exposure risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

29 Mar 2026, 19:25docs.wto.orgEuropean Union

EU Commission Terminates Novel Food Authorisation Procedure for Synthetic Cannabidiol (NF 2019/0935)

The European Commission has formally terminated the authorization procedure for synthetic cannabidiol as a novel food, effective March 2026. This decision reinforces the ongoing regulatory barrier for CBD products in the EU market, necessitating immediate reassessment of market access strategies and product pipelines for cannabinoid-based ingredients.

28 Mar 2026, 20:34ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany (VG Würzburg) Upholds Immediate Enforcement on 'CBD Hemp Oil for Camels' Customer Health Warnings

A German administrative court has upheld immediate enforcement orders requiring health warnings and customer disclosures for CBD products marketed with animal-focused labeling. Businesses should anticipate stricter scrutiny of "playful" branding, as authorities will apply EU food safety standards and traceability requirements regardless of animal-only claims if human consumption is implied.

28 Mar 2026, 20:33gesetze-bayern.deGermanyEuropean Union

EFSA Webinar on Risk Assessment of Cannabidiol as a Novel Food

EFSA will detail its updated safety assessment framework for Cannabidiol (CBD) as a novel food in a webinar on April 21, 2026. This guidance clarifies the scientific evidence required for novel food applications, directly impacting market access and compliance strategies for CBD-based products.

28 Mar 2026, 17:00efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Adopts Delegated Regulation 2026/177 on CAP Hemp THC Controls, Market Withdrawals and GAEC 1

The EU has updated CAP rules to simplify market withdrawal interventions and formalize THC monitoring requirements for hemp cultivation, effective March 2026. Businesses in the hemp and produce sectors should review revised seed certification standards and expenditure caps to ensure continued compliance and optimize subsidy recovery.

27 Mar 2026, 20:54eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

US DEA Invites Comment on SpecGx LLC Bulk Manufacturer Registration for Schedule I and II Controlled Substances

The US DEA has announced an application by SpecGx LLC to register as a bulk manufacturer for a wide range of Schedule I and II controlled substances, including opioids, stimulants, and psychedelics. Existing manufacturers and applicants have until May 26, 2026, to submit comments or objections, a process that may influence future bulk supply dynamics and quota allocations for these highly regulated substances.

27 Mar 2026, 18:17govinfo.govUnited States

Austria Recalls Brownies From Czechia Over High Delta-9-THC and Unauthorised CBD (RASFF 2026.2498)

Austria has issued a serious risk notification and consumer recall for brownies containing excessive Delta-9-THC and unauthorized CBD. This enforcement action underscores the strict EU-wide scrutiny of cannabinoid-infused food products and the ongoing classification of CBD as an unauthorized novel food ingredient.

27 Mar 2026, 11:57webgate.ec.europa.euEuropean UnionAustriaCzechia

Austria Issues Serious RASFF Alert on THC and CBD in Brownies From Netherlands Via Czechia

Austria has issued a serious RASFF alert for brownies containing high levels of THC and unauthorized CBD, triggering a consumer-level recall. This enforcement action highlights the strict regulatory stance on cannabinoids in conventional foods, where they are treated as unauthorized substances or novel food ingredients.

25 Mar 2026, 21:38webgate.ec.europa.euEuropean UnionNetherlandsCzechiaAustria

Pennsylvania Proposes Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Beverage Licensing And Tax Framework (HB 2309)

Pennsylvania introduced HB 2309 in March 2026 to create a comprehensive regulatory, licensing, and taxation framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid beverages. Manufacturers must prepare for strict THC potency limits, mandatory third-party lab testing, and detailed labeling requirements that align hemp-derived products with existing alcohol-style oversight.

25 Mar 2026, 21:37legis.state.pa.usUnited States

EU – ECHA RAC And SEAC Advance PFAS Restriction, Chromium(VI) And Octocrilene Work

ECHA’s scientific committees have advanced the universal PFAS restriction, with RAC adopting its opinion and SEAC preparing to consult on the socio-economic impacts. This development accelerates the timeline for broad chemical bans, requiring businesses to finalize substitution strategies and prepare for the final window of regulatory influence.

20 Mar 2026, 06:32echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland (FDHA) Prohibits Further Designer Drugs Under Narcotics List Ordinance (NarcLO-FDHA)

Switzerland expanded its Narcotics List Ordinance (NarcLO-FDHA) in March 2026, prohibiting the manufacture and trade of several new designer drugs and psychoactive substance groups. Businesses must verify that these substances are not present in "research chemical" or specialty portfolios to mitigate significant legal risks and ensure compliance with Swiss narcotics legislation.

16 Mar 2026, 11:19edi.admin.chSwitzerland

EU SCCS Publishes Draft Agenda for 26 March 2026 Plenary on Cosmetic Ingredients and Nanomaterials

The EU SCCS will review final and preliminary opinions on key cosmetic ingredients, including Microsilver, BHA, and CBD, at its March 2026 plenary. These scientific assessments are the primary precursors to EU-wide regulatory restrictions, signaling potential reformulation requirements for impacted consumer products.

14 Mar 2026, 14:14health.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Minnesota House Introduces HF 4201 on Cannabis and Hemp Licensing and Labelling

Minnesota introduced HF 4201 in March 2026 to tighten cannabis and hemp licensing and mandate stricter labeling and safety symbols for cannabinoid products. Businesses must prepare for operational separation between hemp and cannabis licenses and comprehensive packaging redesigns to meet new warning and testing verification standards.

14 Mar 2026, 07:52revisor.mn.govUnited States

Alaska DNR Publishes AO 360 2026 Regulatory Reform Plan

Alaska's Department of Natural Resources has launched a 2026 regulatory reform plan targeting a 15% reduction in discretionary requirements across mining, oil and gas, and industrial hemp. Businesses should prepare for significant shifts in permitting timelines, water use authorizations, and stricter oversight of hemp-derived cannabinoid testing and labeling.

13 Mar 2026, 17:02aws.state.ak.usUnited States

US DEA Seeks Comment on Purisys, LLC Import Registration for Schedule I and II Controlled Substances

The US DEA has published a notice of application for Purisys, LLC to import various Schedule I and II controlled substances, with comments due by April 13, 2026. This move signals potential shifts in the domestic supply chain for pharmaceutical precursors and APIs, offering existing manufacturers a window to contest or support the expanded import capacity.

13 Mar 2026, 13:25federalregister.govUnited States

Minnesota SF 4429 – Proposed Cannabis and Hemp Licensing and Labelling Amendments

Minnesota introduced SF 4429 in March 2026 to overhaul cannabis and hemp licensing, labeling, and THC content standards. Businesses should prepare for stricter labeling mandates, including mandatory safety symbols and testing verification, alongside expanded licensing opportunities across the hemp and cannabis sectors.

13 Mar 2026, 13:16revisor.mn.govUnited States