The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decided on Thursday that food products containing CBD (cannabidiol) cannot be certified as organic. This ruling was issued due to the illegality of these products in the European Union market and responds to concerns from consumers and producers in this area.
Illegality of CBD in the European Union market
Products containing CBD have gained popularity as supplements for relaxation, but the court pointed out that CBD is classified as a novel food in the European Union and has not yet received authorization for sale in this market. This situation is disappointing for consumers looking to purchase CBD products free from pesticides.
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On the other hand, the Professional Hemp Trade Association, which initiated this case in France, has also been affected. Hemp producers in France were seeking organic certification for CBD products, but the court rejected this request.
Commercial and social implications
The court explained that issuing organic certification for a product that does not yet have sales authorization could mislead consumers. This certification is more than just a decorative label and conveys "a general promise of quality and acceptance of the product in the eyes of consumers." Therefore, using this label on products that do not yet have authorization can lead to confusion.
This ruling is also consistent with previous actions at the national level. Additionally, last May, the Paris government ordered that food products containing CBD be completely removed from shelves. This action has fueled existing concerns about the safety and health of CBD products.
Given these circumstances, it seems that hemp producers in France will face more challenges. While some had hoped to market their products with organic certification, they now need to seek new ways to attract consumers.
Ultimately, due to strict regulations and the lack of sales authorization for CBD in the European Union market, the future of this industry in the region remains uncertain and requires further oversight and evaluation.
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