Maximum levels for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in products containing hemp

: Published: 08 September 2022

Regulation (EU) 2022/1393 "amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) in hemp seeds and derived products" has been published.

In Section 8 of the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, the following entry 8.6 is added:

	Foodstuffs	Max. level (mg/kg)
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) equivalents ^(*)
8.6.1	Hemp seed	3,0
8.6.2	Ground hemp seeds, (partially) defatted hemp seed and other hemp seed derived/processed products ^(**) with the exception of the products referred to in 8.6.3.	3,0
8.6.3	Hemp seed oil	7,5

^(*) the maximum level refers to the sum of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), expressed as Δ9-THC. A factor of 0,877 is applied to the level of Δ9-THCA and the maximum level refers to the sum of Δ9-THC + 0,877 x Δ9-THCA (in case of a separate determination and quantification of Δ9-THC and Δ9-THCA).
^(**) hemp seed derived/processed products are products derived/processed exclusively from hemp seeds.’

The regulation entered into force on September 1, 2022 and will apply from January 1, 2023. Food that was lawfully placed on the market before January 1, 2023, may remain on the market until its best-before or use-by date.

Link: COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2022/1393 of August 11^th, 2022
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32022R1393

Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger

Laboratory service

We are only satisfied when you are! The relentless commitment to delivering reliable and timely results is what distinguishes AGROLAB's laboratories. Since its founding, AGROLAB has stood for excellent service in analysis.