Behind the scenes, the UK CBD industry is going through some potential changes. UK CBD rules could change soon, and that could affect us all. As of writing this, not a single CBD product has passed the UK novel foods application, which leaves them in an uncertain position until ministers decide. We’re going to break down 5 things that could change, and clarify what will stay the same. 

A table that explains what some big UK CBD industry changes are confirmed or not decided, as of 13th October 2026.

Could the First UK CBD Authorisations Arrive Soon?

Not yet. Although the FSA has made recommendations that ministers in England and Wales authorise 3 CBD novel food applications, it is up to ministers to make the final decision. So far, no decision date has been published.

The applications that were recommended are RP 7, RP 350 and RP 427. RP 7 is synthetic CBD; RP 350 and RP 427 are CBD isolates. CBD isolates are very concentrated forms of CBD, typically 98% purity or more, and these are intended for adults at a maximum of 10mg a day. Synthetic CBD is CBD that is not derived from hemp plants and is made chemically in a lab.

These 3 applications are a big deal to the CBD industry. If ministers agree to authorise them, they would be the first CBD ingredients to be authorised in Great Britain.

Food Standards Scotland also ran its own consultation and, similar to the FSA, it advises Scottish ministers. The aim is a consistent approach across Great Britain.

The FSA’s paper says that, subject to board agreement, their officials will complete the advice package for ministers as soon as possible. The board met on 16 September 2026; however, the FSA hasn’t published meeting minutes for the CBD item yet. As of writing this, they have not published a date for a ministerial decision.

The FSA published 14 positive safety assessments for CBD novel foods above 97% purity and has taken just 3 CBD applications to the final stages of risk management. The 3 above are at the final stages of risk management, and the other 10 are at the risk management stage.

Could the UK’s Daily CBD Limit Change?

It could, but nothing says that it will. This is one of the UK CBD rules that could change, and the FSA is confident in its recommendation of a 10mg a day limit for adults. However, ministers will decide the final conditions.

The EU’s figure is much lower. The EFSA’s updated statement in February 2026 set a provisional safe level of “approximately 2mg CBD a day for a 70kg adult”. That is 5 times lower than the FSA’s figure.

One would think that because the FSA and EFSA are handling a similar task, their CBD limits would be similar. The FSA says the 2 figures are based on different datasets, but both considered the same adverse effects and data gaps. The EFSA derived its figure from animal studies and then applied an uncertainty factor of 400 to allow for gaps in the data.

In September the EFSA published its first positive opinion on a CBD novel food. It was for a synthetic CBD ingredient that the FSA and Food Standards Scotland had previously assessed in 2024 using the 10mg figure. According to the trade publication NaturaI ingredients, the applicant had proposed 25mg a day and later changed it to 2mg to match the EFSA’s level. The CBD ingredient has yet to be authorised by the European Commission and EU member states.

If EU rules were ever to replace UK authorisations, the conditions attached to an EU authorisation would apply instead. The EFSA’s first positive opinion on a CBD novel food is at 2mg a day, but the FSA’s papers don’t say which limit would apply.

Could EU Rules Replace UK CBD Authorisations?

UK CBD rules could change if a UK-EU deal on food rules goes ahead and CBD isn't given an exception. In that case, EU rules could replace any UK CBD authorisations. As of writing this, nothing has been signed yet.

The proposed UK-EU deal, known as the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, is a new partnership with the EU on the trade and movement of plants, animals and food. Rules on novel foods and supplements (CBD included) are among the areas covered by this deal.

From the date the deal comes into force, all Great Britain authorisations would no longer apply, and businesses would need an EU authorisation, with only some very limited exceptions possible.

UK CBD authorisation does not automatically mean authorisation in the EU. In fact, the FSA notes that the first 3 CBD products that they’ve recommended aren’t authorised in the EU. The FSA’s recommendation paper says that, without exception, businesses would apply under EU rules instead, and EU authorisations would cover the whole UK.

The EU has accepted there will be some exceptions if a deal is signed; however, the details are still subject to negotiation. The FSA’s papers don’t say whether CBD would get one.

The government stated that they intend for the UK-EU food deal to take effect in mid-2027, with exact timings subject to the outcome of negotiations. The FSA says it is preparing for implementation in summer 2027. The July summit has been postponed, and negotiations are at an advanced stage.

Could CBD Labels and Rules for Sellers Change?

Yes, UK CBD rules could change for labels and sellers if the 3 applications are authorised by ministers. All products authorised would have to meet set conditions, but these are proposals and ministers ultimately decide.

The FSA proposes a shorter label statement saying that the maximum acceptable daily intake (ADI) of CBD for adults is 10mg, and tells people not to exceed this amount of CBD product in a day.

The wording “not suitable for under 18s” is being kept on the labelling requirements because the FSA found no evidence for stronger wording. Also, warnings for other vulnerable groups stay; these include people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive, and people on medication or who are immunosuppressed.

QR codes won’t be required and can be used voluntarily, and the FSA recommends against introducing a symbol for the ADI, because there is no widely recognised standard. Respondents said lengthy warning text is hard to fit on small packs, so the FSA proposes a shorter ADI statement. QR codes can be used voluntarily, but key safety information must stay visible on the packaging. 

Strict limits on THC and other controlled cannabinoids would apply. The FSA accepted a higher THC specification for one application (RP 427, now 0.01% or below) after consultation because the applicant showed lower levels couldn’t be consistently achieved. The 1mg per container rule is a Home Office drugs law, and the FSA says that it will not review it.

According to the FSA, there are no authorised health claims for CBD products, and the rules on medical claims continue. Only authorised claims on the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register can be used on food, including supplements, and there are none for CBD. 

The FSA says that “in the coming months” it plans enforcement guidance for local authorities and that it will provide clearer information on the differences between foods, supplements and medicines.

CBD products on the FSA Public List, the interim list of products linked to novel food applications, aren’t required to meet these conditions before authorisation decisions, though the FSA encourages better labelling.

Could the EU Classify CBD as a Reproductive Toxicant?

It has been recommended, not decided. In March 2026 the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee made the recommendation that CBD be classified as a Category 1B reproductive and lactation toxicant. The European Commission still has to make the decision.

The classification would mean CBD would be treated as a substance that may damage fertility or the unborn child, and may cause harm to breastfed children. The recommendation followed a proposal by the French agency ANSES, which based it on animal studies showing impaired fertility and development.

This is a hazard classification. The FSA has spoken about it and said that the recommendation doesn’t itself determine whether CBD food products may be authorised. The FSA’s expert advisers (a joint ACNFP and COT subgroup) reviewed the evidence behind the ACNFP proposal in 2025 and concluded it did not change the existing scientific assessment. The FSA says the evidence did not present new data requiring a revision to its provisional daily intake figure, and that it will keep monitoring developments. The FSA’s advice for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive is covered at the end of this article. 

What Stays the Same for UK CBD Right Now?

Until ministers decide, things will stay the same. CBD food products, such as oils and edibles, remain unauthorised novel foods until ministers decide. CBD flower is regulated differently, which we cover in our guide to whether CBD flower is legal in the UK.

For the time being, the FSA set up the Public List for England and Wales. The FSA has recommended that local authorities let products marked “Validated” or “Awaiting evidence” stay on the market pending further consideration, though enforcement decisions rest with them. CBD products that are currently not on the Public List, or marked “Removed”, must be withdrawn.

The 3 CBD applications that the FSA has recommended for authorisation are significant because about 3,000 products on the Public List are linked to them.

Being named on the Public List is not an endorsement though; the FSA does not endorse the sale of any CBD food product.

The MHRA deems that CBD products that market themselves for medical purposes are medicines. By making medicinal claims, they fall under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and need a marketing authorisation. The FSA says that CBD applications are being considered under the novel foods framework, not as medicines.

Under the Windsor Framework, businesses must apply to the EU to place regulated products on the market in Northern Ireland. CBD novel foods that are authorised in Great Britain may be placed on the Northern Ireland market only as retail goods, if they are eligible and moved through the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme. The FSA wrote their stance on this in the recommendations paper.

What Should You Know Before Trying CBD?

The CBD market is in transition, so it’s important to do more checks than usual.

Always check the label for serving size information. The FSA’s consumer advice says that some CBD products on the market contain more than 10mg per serving, and that people should check serving directions on labels and think about their total daily intake.

Request a batch lab report in the form of a certificate of analysis (COA), which shows THC and other controlled cannabinoid levels. The Home Office expects that CBD products are tested by a suitably accredited laboratory.

Refer to the FSA Public List which lists CBD products linked to novel food applications. The FSA says that inclusion in the Public List is no guarantee of authorisation, and that products not on the list should not be on the market in England and Wales.

Be cautious when health claims are made in association with CBD products. The FSA says that there are no authorised claims for CBD products.

The FSA’s consumer advice does not recommend CBD for people in vulnerable groups unless under medical direction, and the FSA’s recommendations paper says people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive should not consume CBD. If you have any health concerns, speak with a healthcare professional such as your GP before proceeding with CBD.

UK CBD Rules Summarised

Nothing has been decided yet, but UK CBD rules could change. The FSA has recommended 3 CBD applications to ministers, and ministers make the final decision. The first CBD authorisations have been recommended, the UK’s proposed 10mg daily limit sits against a much lower EU figure of about 2mg. The EU rules may replace UK authorisations, the proposed labels and rules for sellers are still being finalised, and the EU’s recommended classification of CBD as a reproductive toxicant is still waiting on a European Commission decision.

Some things are going to stay the same for now. CBD products remain unauthorised novel foods until ministers decide, the Public List isn’t authorisation, and no health claims are authorised.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on what ministers decide and the UK-EU deal. Both are still to come, so it’s worth checking where things stand each time you consider a CBD product.