Berlin,2020-11-10: The German Industry Association Cannabiswirtschaft e.V. (BvCW) proposes the development of threshold values for cannabidiol (CBD) that would allow CBD to be used both as a medicinal product and within a regulated market below the pharmaceutical level. The goal is to reduce existing legal uncertainties and establish reliable regulations for consumer protection, quality control, and fair market access. The BvCW has published a position paper on this topic.

“We need quality standards, youth protection, and a clear legal framework,” said Dr. Stefan Meyer, President of the BvCW. “At the same time, we have adopted self-restrictions within the association—also to distance ourselves from disreputable actors in the market,” Dr. Meyer continued.

The federal government is called upon to follow the recommendations of the WHO and finally remove CBD from the control regime of international narcotics regulation. We expect both the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) to advocate for these WHO scientific recommendations both toward the EU Commission and at the international level.

In early December, the UNODC is scheduled to adopt the WHO’s proposals for the reclassification of cannabis and cannabinoids at the international level. So far, neither the German federal government nor the EU Commission has clearly positioned itself on this issue. The EU Commission recently supported the view, in a so-called “preliminary assessment,” that CBD should be considered a narcotic.

The WHO states regarding the classification of CBD under the drug control conventions:
“Cannabidiol […] does not meet the criteria for control under the 1961 or 1971 Conventions. As it does not meet the criteria of the 1961 Convention, it cannot be considered a narcotic.”
(E/CN.7/2020/CRP.4, page 70)

“We welcome recent statements by members of the Bundestag from the governing CDU/CSU and SPD coalition expressing support for a regulated CBD market in Germany. The challenges of the growing CBD market in Germany and Europe have clearly reached federal policymakers. We now look forward to a constructive dialogue to eliminate legal uncertainty and establish clear market conditions. Otherwise, the domestic CBD industry risks falling behind in comparison to European and global regulations. That must be avoided!” said Jürgen Neumeyer, Managing Director of the BvCW.

Attachments:

The World Health Organization (WHO) states the following about CBD:
“Cannabidiol shows no potential for abuse or dependence and any ill-effects are minimal.”
(E/CN.7/2020/CRP.4, page 57)

Stefan Pilsinger, MP (CDU/CSU, Drug Policy Spokesperson):
“Even now, it is clear that despite the legal change in March 2017, doctors, patients, and industry continue to face major obstacles in prescribing, reimbursement, and production of cannabinoid medicines. A uniform legal framework and simplified prescription options for cannabinoids could provide relief. We could also consider innovative delivery methods for cannabinoid medicines. At the same time, further research is needed to better understand and fully exploit the potential of cannabinoids. In addition to possible adjustments here, I also see a need for action regarding CBD. The market, from production to distribution of CBD products, is unregulated and operates in a legal grey area. It would make sense to create a legal framework to handle CBD more clearly and, above all, more safely.”

Dirk Heidenblut, MP (SPD, Drug Policy Spokesperson):
“And by the way: We can also talk about cannabinoids in more detail soon. I would actually agree with you on many points there. There’s a lot we need to do. But the controlled release is still a path we must take.”

Plenary Protocol 19/186

You can find the press release as a PDF file here.