The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the sale of hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, allowing a “legal” edibles and beverage market to emerge. The 2025 government shutdown reconciliation bill closed this “loophole,” effective in November.
In the U.S., as part of the appropriations bill ending the government shutdown, Congress closed the 2018 Farm Bill loophole allowing the sale of hemp-derived THC products, such as edibles and beverages. At the same time, in the EU, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) set a safe intake level for Delta-8 THC in food.
FDA has shared concern about the growing number of edible products containing kratom available for sale online and at retailers like gas stations and smoke shops across the U.S. It has issued warning letters to seven companies for illegally marketing gummies, drinks, and tablets containing the kratom-derived concentrate 7-OH, a “novel, potent opioid.”
The UK Food Standards Agency has established a safe upper limit for THC consumed in hemp-derived CBD foods and beverages of 0.07 milligrams per day, and is encouraging businesses to reformulate CBD products in light of the new THC recommendations.
This article provides a regulatory perspective on some of the technical challenges that growing cannabis markets face, specifically focusing on product standardization, quality control testing, and consumer education and awareness amid a rapidly developing industry.
After a poisoning outbreak linked to “legal” mushroom-based edibles sold across the country, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has informed industry that the mushroom Amanita muscaria is not authorized for use as an ingredient in food.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued warning letters to several companies for illegally selling food products containing delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that are branded to resemble popular snack products.
So far, 12 severe cases of illness, including seizures, have been linked to the consumption of Diamond Shruumz brand mushroom-based chocolates and candies. The products are marketed as way to “microdose” (implying a drug-like effect), but also claim not to contain psychedelic substances.
The cannabis industry is no exception to the potential risks of PFAS contamination, ranging from possible health and safety implications to a business' litigation risk.
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Dr. Kathy Knutson, an author, food safety consultant, and educator for the cannabisindustry. She discusses packaging, good manufacturing practices, training, and other considerations for ensuring the safety of cannabis-infused edibles and beverages, as well as the complicated patchwork of state regulations for cannabisand the potential for future federal regulation. We also hear from Dr. Hal King, the Editor of Food Safety Leadership in the Business of Food Safety, a new digital book published by Food Safety Magazine that serves as a resource for the retail foodservice industry. The book defines and models food safety business leadership from the perspective of top food safety business leaders at best-in-class retail foodservice operations.
