The European Commission has adopted a regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 to establish maximum limits for 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in hemp leaves intended for infusion and ready-to-drink hemp-based beverages, aiming to strengthen consumer health protection.
The amendment is based on scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority, which identified potential health concerns linked to acute dietary exposure to 9-THC. EFSA previously established an acute reference dose (ARfD) of 1 g/kg body weight, and subsequent exposure assessments indicated that this threshold could be exceeded in certain cases involving hemp-derived foods.
Under the revised rules, new maximum levels are introduced for the sum of 9-THC and its precursor 9-THCA, expressed as 9-THC equivalents:
1.Hemp leaves for water infusion: 40 mg/kg
2.Ready-to-drink hemp leaf infusions: 0.02 mg/kg
The regulation also introduces mandatory labelling requirements for hemp leaves intended for infusion. Labels must clearly state that the product is only for preparing herbal infusions, must not be consumed by infants and young children, and that fatty ingredients such as milk or cream should not be added during steeping, as they can increase THC migration due to its lipophilic nature.
The measure takes into account that hemp leaf infusions are not classified as novel foods under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 when they do not include flowering or fruiting tops. However, due to safety concerns, the establishment of THC limits is considered necessary.
To facilitate compliance, the regulation will apply from 1 January 2027, with transitional provisions allowing products already placed on the market before this date to remain available until their minimum durability or use-by date.
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