Berlin, 2020-08-17: The German Cannabis Business Association „Cannabiswirtschaft e.V. (BvCW)“ has warned the relevant ministries of the German federal government in a letter about a potential reclassification of cannabidiol (CBD) as a narcotic by the EU Commission.

Dr. Stefan Meyer, President of the BvCW, stated:

“A reclassification of CBD as a narcotic would jeopardize the rapidly growing CBD industry. There is no scientific evidence that would justify labeling CBD as a narcotic. No one needs another black market. Instead, as the cannabis industry, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss practicable and sensibly regulated market conditions for cannabinoid-containing products in Germany and the EU with the federal government. This also includes industry self-regulation and consumer safety through quality standards. Some overregulations must be eliminated, and other standards should be introduced.”

Earlier, the BvCW received confirmation upon request from Reinhard Hönighaus, spokesperson of the European Commission in Germany. He stated, among other things:

“With regard to CBD derived from the flowering and fruiting tops of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.), the Commission has informed the applicants of its preliminary views and requested responses by early September. The Commission will then decide on the validity of the applications in question.”

According to the EU Commission, CBD—based on this preliminary view—“could not be classified as a ‘food’ under the General Food Law and would not fall within the scope of the Novel Food Regulation,” said the spokesperson.

The BvCW also informed relevant members of the German Bundestag.

With a template letter for regional MPs, the BvCW believes affected companies may be able to influence the EU Commission’s still pending final decision. The the German Cannabis Business Association

The press release is also available as a PDF file here.