EFSA CBD Limit of 2 mg Sparks Market Shake-Up

EFSA CBD limit set at 2 mg per day for adults, forcing brands to reformulate products and raising concerns over novel food approvals in the EU

The EFSA CBD limit is set to reshape Europe’s fast-growing cannabidiol industry after the European Food Safety Authority announced a provisional consumption cap on hemp-derived CBD used in food supplements. The authority has fixed the daily intake at 2 mg for a 70-kg (154-pound) adult, provided the CBD extract has at least 98% purity.

This newly introduced EFSA CBD limit is significantly lower than standards in other global markets and could force manufacturers to reformulate a wide range of existing products. The agency also warned that it could not establish a safe level of CBD consumption for individuals under 25, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those taking medications.

Lower Than Global Standards

The conservative EFSA CBD limit stands in sharp contrast to regulations elsewhere. In the United Kingdom, the daily recommended limit is 10 mg, while Canada permits up to 200 mg per day for short-term use of up to 30 days. Industry observers say the wide disparity could affect cross-border trade and consumer confidence in CBD-based wellness products.

By imposing such a low threshold, the EFSA CBD limit may compel CBD brands to significantly reduce dosage levels in oils, capsules, and edibles sold across the European Union. Analysts believe this could disrupt pricing models and product positioning within the broader CBD market.

CBD Classified as Novel Food

The EFSA continues to classify CBD as a novel food, meaning it was not widely consumed within the EU before May 15, 1997, and therefore requires a full safety assessment before commercial approval. This classification is central to the current regulatory debate and explains the cautious approach behind the EFSA CBD limit.

Interestingly, hemp-derived THC in food products is not considered novel because hemp seeds have a long history of dietary use. However, the EU has still imposed THC limits in hemp-based foods — 3 mg/kg for dry products like seeds, flour, and protein, and 7.5 mg/kg for hemp seed oil.

Data Gaps Delay Full Approval

It took nearly three years for the EFSA to establish this provisional cap, citing insufficient safety data. Nineteen CBD novel food applications remain under review without action. The authority is seeking more evidence on toxicity, drug interactions, and long-term effects on the nervous, reproductive, and endocrine systems.

Companies seeking approval must now provide comprehensive scientific data addressing these concerns. The EFSA has announced an informational webinar in April 2026 to guide applicants on submitting the required research.

As Europe’s CBD industry waits for clearer direction, the provisional limit signals a cautious regulatory path that could redefine the region’s cannabis-derived wellness sector.