EFSA concern over THC levels in hemp products
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has raised concerns that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol levels in hemp products exceed the safety limit.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 -THC) is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The cannabinoid molecule is recognised as the main psychoactive ingredient – i.e the substance responsible for the marijuana ‘high’ – in cannabis.
According to the EFSA’s acute reference dose – established in 2015 – the safety limit for Delta 9-THC is set at 1 µg/body weight per day.
In a study published 7 January 2020, the EFSA looked at ‘standard’ food categories used as proxies for the consumption of hemp and hemp products. A total of 588 samples were assessed, covering hemp seeds, hemp oils, tea, breakfast cereals, bread and rolls made from hemp flower, cereal bars, chocolate products, energy drinks, beers, and energy drinks.
The EFSA said that further research is required to obtain sensitive, validated, and D9-THC specific methods, to be translated to reliable official methods.
The agency has also suggested studies look at the stability of D9-THC, as well as the conversion of the compound during food processing. Investigating the carry-offer of D9-THC in the food chain, where animals are fed with hemp products, would also be beneficial, it added.
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