What do the new C.P.D regulations mean for the CBD industry

In one of the biggest shake-ups in the CBD industry, the CTA (Cannabis Trades Association) has partnered with government agencies to bring in new Cannabis laws and legislation within the next two years. As one of the earliest members of the CTA, CBD Ultra is proud to be one of the first companies to join the new initiative called CPD, which will regulate all CBD sellers helping to ensure a safer future for the industry.

Representing over 300 businesses the CTA is the largest Hemp and Cannabis Association by Membership in Europe, and it works with the Government to establish legislation to ensure the industry has effective and practical guidance and is adequately regulated.

A new initiative has been formed called the Cannabis Products Directory (CPD) which aims to ensure product transparency, quality and customer satisfaction across the industry.

The initiative is sponsored by the FSA (Food Standards Agency) and the MHRA ( Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) and as the CTA has a proven track record in building trust with those in Government, they have demonstrated that they can create an independent, stable and professional Regulator for the industry, working to not only best practice but also exceeding what is required.

Why do we need this new legislation?

The use of cannabis as medicine has been headline news in recent weeks. With over 350,000 regular users of CBD in the UK, (almost double that of last year) it is a rapidly growing industry with worldwide sales set to reach $2.1 billion by the end of the decade.

With such lucrative profits involved, the market has been saturated with unsafe, illegal and untraceable products, and there are currently no government regulations in place to stop them leaving customers vulnerable.

A recent analysis of CBD products sold on eBay found that not one contained the claimed amount of CBD and all had illegal levels of CBN, another cannabinoid known for its strong sedative effect.

Established in 2017, CBD Ultra offers a range of high-strength, full-spectrum CBD products ranging from rich hemp oils, to CBD teas and beers, as an aid for good health. Derived from organic hemp, CBD Ultra products contain zero THC and are completely legal to sell in the UK and Europe and they are also certified GMO, pesticide and solvent-free.

As an early member of the Cannabis Trades Association, CBD Ultra has earned an enviable reputation for providing high-quality products and has fast become the UK’s number one choice for CBD based health supplements.

What is the Cannabis Products Directive (CPD)?

The Cannabis Products Directive (CPD) is a framework for regulation and licensing of all cannabis and cannabinoid products.  It is an initiative of the Cannabis Trades Association (CTA) developed in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

This week the CPD has been translated and submitted to all 28 member states of the EU by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA).

It is expected that with the sponsorship of two government agencies, the FSA and MHRA, the CPD will become UK law within the next two years and will relieve the Home Office of the burden of the cannabis regulation and licensing process, placing it in expert hands.

The CPD will establish an independent regulatory body covering all parts of the cannabis supply chain from seeds and genetics through to end products.  Its first chief executive, Ms Fiona Pengilly, a highly experienced administrator, has already been appointed.

The structure of the CPD is based on the Tobacco Products Directive, successful EU legislation which came into force on 19 May 2014 and became applicable in the EU Member States on 20 May 2016. The plan to implement the CPD into law is based on the similar path taken with gas regulation by CORGI which became the Gas Safe Register, part of the Health and Safety Executive.

The CPD consists of five parts:

Part 1. Food supplements and edibles
Part 2. Vapes and inhaled products
Part 3. Topicals, balms and cosmetics
Part 4. Cannabis for medical use
Part 5. Grow at home

CTA members who sell CBD and hemp products are already working in accordance with parts 1 – 3. Parts 4 and 5 will be introduced in accordance with legislation.

Growers, producers, manufacturers and sellers will all have to be registered as will each product. Approved laboratories will conduct testing, and all registrants will be subject to regular inspection.

Each product will have a Cannabis Product Information File (CPIF) and an assigned ‘Responsible Person’ who will ensure that the product remains compliant and updates the CPIF.

Consumers will know that products have been produced and tested in accordance with regulations and will be assured of quality and safety.

What does this mean for you?

As one of the earliest members of the CTA, quality, transparency and customer safety has always been paramount at CBD Ultra. Unfortunately, these are not the values of other suppliers resulting in illegal, untraceable products being sold that could be severely damaging to health.

The new CPD legislation will ensure fair, open and honest enforcement, backed up by legal powers where a company or individual fails in their duties to comply with legislation and to ensure those in our industry who do not wish to comply can be dealt with using the full weight of the law including removal of licensing, fines and where necessary prison sentences for those who simply will not act in accordance with the law.

CBD Ultra will be registering all products with the CPD, ensuring that customers can have peace of mind knowing they have quality, legitimate CBD products that can be fully traced right from seed to seal.