New UK CBD Regulations: Is Your Business Ready?

Recent Changes to CBD Regulations: What You Need to Know

On 14 April 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued an important update regarding the regulation of cannabidiol (CBD) products in the UK. This statement provides crucial clarification for companies involved in the production, marketing, and sale of CBD and hemp-derived products.

According to the MHRA, any CBD product that makes a medicinal claim will now be regulated as a medicinal product under The Human Medicines Regulations 2012. To legally market such products, businesses must obtain a Marketing Authorisation, supported by evidence demonstrating the product’s safety, quality, and efficacy.

The MHRA also reinforced that the responsibility for compliance lies with businesses. Companies must carefully assess whether their product marketing crosses into medicinal claims, which would trigger a higher level of regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, any presence of THC or other controlled substances must comply with UK controlled drug legislation.

The statement further reminds businesses that CBD edibles and food supplements are regulated separately. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), all CBD food products must receive novel food authorisation before being legally marketed in the UK.

Key Regulatory Takeaways for CBD Businesses

• Medicinal claims = mandatory Marketing Authorisation.
• Safety, quality, and efficacy evidence are required for medicinal CBD products.
• Products containing THC may fall under controlled substances laws.
• CBD foods and supplements need novel food status approval.
• Businesses are accountable for ensuring regulatory compliance.

What This Means for the Cannabis Industry

The evolving regulatory framework is a critical step towards ensuring product safety and consumer trust in the cannabis, CBD, and hemp sectors. However, these changes also present significant challenges for companies that must now invest in CBD compliance testing, detailed product analysis, and regulatory navigation.

Failing to comply could result in enforcement action, product withdrawal, and reputational damage.

How Broughton Can Support Your CBD Compliance Journey

At Broughton, we are industry leaders in cannabinoid testing, cannabis regulatory consultancy, and scientific services for CBD, medicinal cannabis, and hemp-derived products. Our end-to-end support helps businesses meet evolving regulatory demands while maintaining product quality and brand integrity.

Our cannabinoid services include:

• Cannabinoid potency testing
• Residual THC analysis
• Terpene profile testing
• Contaminant screening (heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins)
• Cannabinoid stability testing
• Scientific consultancy for CBD marketing authorisation and novel food submissions

We combine extensive scientific expertise with a deep understanding of UK CBD regulations, providing you with a clear pathway to compliance and commercial success.

If you are manufacturing or marketing CBD products, it is essential to act now to protect your brand and seize opportunities in a regulated market.

Follow the link to explore our cannabinoid testing services today.