Page 46 - FoodFocusThailand No.208 JULY 2023

STRATEGIC R&D

Thai Regulations on CBD Quantity in
Food and Drink Products
The notification of the Ministry of Public Health
(No. 439), published in the Royal Gazette on the
21st of October of B.E.2565 (AD 2022), Re:
Food Products Containing Cannabidiol (No.2)
classifies CBD-containing food products as
specific-controlled food. The amount of CBD added
must not exceed the established maximum limits,
yield any medical effect, nor cause interaction
between said food product and medicine. In
addition, these products must contain the amount
of THC that does not cause any health risk to
consumers. The quantities of CBD and THC are
limited to 75 mg/liter and 0.15 mg/liter, respectively.
Addition of CBD into mineral drinks or beverages
containing tea, coffee with natural or synthetic
caffeine is prohibited. Meanwhile, the maximum
Figure 1: CBD chemical structure daily consumption of CBD in food supplements is
prescribed at 55 mg/day, and the amount of THC
in food supplements must not exceed 2 mg/kg or
the prospects of developing CBD as medication, such as painkiller, anti-
inflammatory drug, and anticancer medicine. In addition, a study published 2 mg/liter. The calculation for THC amount shall
be based on the total THC, which is the total sum
in Neuropsychopharmacology Journal (2011) reveals that CBD can alleviate
anxiety and nervousness in students with public speaking. Regarding the of Δ 9-THC, Δ 8-THC and (0.877 x THCA).
The regulations of maximum limits for CBD
calming effects on insomnia and depression, several studies have confirmed
positive results in human subjects. Meanwhile, research on CBD’s stress-
relieving properties are still ongoing.

Ideal Amount of CBD for Safe Consumption Figure 2: A British
Consumption of pure CBD isolate is considered safe. The Science Advisory beverage with mixed
Committee on Health Products Containing Cannabis of Health Canada ginger, elderflower, and
reveals that, according to its report conducted in 2022, the consumption of mint flavors containing
CBD can be considered safe as long as it does not exceed 20-200 mg/day 15 mg of CBD/250 ml
in the form of capsule or by sublingual administration. The consumption, https://www.thesun.co.uk/
however, should not continue further than 30 consecutive days, and pregnant news/ 13824123/cannabis-
or breastfeeding women must not consume CBD at all. infused-energy-drink-
queens-shop/amp
Forms of CBD Products Good for Consumption
Oil soluble CBD usually has some limitations regarding its absorption into
the bloodstream because the absorption rate is difficult to control. Hence,
new and more absorbable forms of CBD products have been developed,
such as CBD sublingual drops and water-soluble CBD, the latter of which Figure 3: A Japanese
is gaining more popularity as it can be absorbed into the bloodstream within beverage with 20 mg of
30 minutes after consumption. Since then, more water-soluble CBD CBD/250 ml
products, such as beverages, snacks, gummies, and gel, have started
coming out into the market. These products are subject to regulatory https://japantoday.com/
category/national/cbd-oil-
measures on food safety and are prohibited from displaying any medical drinks- now-available-in-
or health claims for disease treatment. Also, an exact quantity of CBD must japanese-vending-machines
be displayed on the label.
CBD Beverages and Business Opportunities
The CBD beverage market has expanded significantly in the USA since added in beverages and food supplements
2018, reaching the total value of 901.8 million US dollars with the annual stipulated by the Thai Food and Drug Administration
growth rate of 45 percent. Its value is projected to soar to 5.8 billion US have paved way to the development of CBD-added
dollars in 2025. The research and development of water-soluble CBD in food products that are safe for health and
2017-2018 yielded two major registered US patents: US9585924B1 and consumption. This is considered a good opportunity
US20180020699A1. Furthermore, the legally permitted amount of CBD in for food operators in the sector to help improve the
one drinking unit is established differently in each country: 15 mg in the UK Thai economy as well.
and 20 mg in Japan and Canada. In the wellness sector, CBD is also used
to promote health benefits, such as stress relief and burning improvement
for sport lovers.

More Information Service Info C008
46 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND JUL 2023

24/6/2566 BE 10:53
43-46_Strategic R&D_CBD.indd 46 24/6/2566 BE 10:53
43-46_Strategic R&D_CBD.indd 46