EU Sets Strict Provisional CBD Limit Amid Ongoing Safety Concerns

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set a provisional limit for CBD consumption in food supplements. After nearly three years of regulatory uncertainty, the agency now recommends a daily intake of 0.0275 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This decision follows ongoing concerns about CBD's safety and inconsistent rules across EU member states.

Germany, however, has yet to adopt specific national limits for CBD in food additives or supplements. As of early 2026, no progress has been made on defining permitted daily doses since EFSA's 2023 recommendation.

CBD remains classified as a 'novel food' in the EU, meaning it must undergo scientific review before being approved for sale in food products. The new provisional limit translates to roughly 2 milligrams per day for an average 70 kg adult. This threshold is significantly stricter than those in other countries, such as the UK's 10 mg or Canada's 200 mg per day for 30 days.

The EU's cautious stance stems from incomplete safety data, particularly regarding CBD's effects on the liver and other bodily systems. EFSA has explicitly warned that the substance's safety cannot be confirmed for individuals under 25, pregnant or lactating women, and those on medication. The new limit applies only to food supplements containing CBD with a purity of at least 98%.

Meanwhile, hemp seeds are not classified as novel foods, though THC limits still regulate products made from them. The EU's fragmented approach has left member states to set their own rules, leading to varying restrictions across the bloc.

Despite EFSA's provisional limit, data gaps remain on CBD's long-term effects. The EU's threshold is far lower than those in other regions, reflecting ongoing caution. For now, Germany and other member states continue to navigate regulatory uncertainty without uniform national guidelines.