A few hours after the UN yesterday removed cannabis from Annex IV, the European Commission reversed course, explaining in a discreet letter sent to the European Industrial Hemp Association that CBD would not be classified as a narcotic. This decision further confirms the legalization of cannabidiol by the European Court of Justice two weeks ago.
The good news came from the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA).
The third happy announcement in favor of cannabis liberation in two weeks.
In the letter received by EIHA and published on its website, the European Commission states that CBD should not be considered as a narcotic drug, but as a novel food supplement.
A few hours earlier, the UN announced the removal of cannabis from Schedule IV of the Schedule I of the International Narcotics Control Board. This reclassification will facilitate access to therapeutic cannabis for patients in many countries, and should open the way for state-funded research into the development of medical cannabis.
In light of the recent Court ruling C-663/18, the European Commission has re-examined its preliminary conclusion on cannabidiol, stating that it should not be considered a narcotic within the meaning of the 1961 United Nations Single Convention. This boost for the wellness hemp industry thus echoes the vote by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to remove cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Convention, in which products with “particularly dangerous properties with little or no therapeutic value” were catalogued. “A truly historic moment for mankind: the United Nations, on the basis of WHO recommendations, recognizes the medical value of cannabis and removes it from Schedule IV of the 1961 Convention. At last, the medicinal usefulness of cannabis is officially recognized. “Daniel Kruse, President of EIHA, was delighted. “After this historic vote, it’s worth pointing out that industrial hemp and non-medical CBD still remain outside the scope of the Single Convention. That’s why this week’s second decision is even more important for our industry: in light of comments received from EIHA among others, and the recent ruling of the European Court of Justice, the European Commission concludes that CBD should not be considered a drug and can be qualified as a food. As President of EIHA and a pioneer in the hemp industry for 26 years, I sincerely thank the UN and our European Commission for these absolutely brilliant Christmas presents! “concluded Mr. Kruse, who was among the first to receive this beautiful gift from Father Brussels’ hood.
