What Health Authorities Say About CBD

Are you wondering what health authorities really think about CBD? Between rumors and promises, it’s not easy to figure it all out. So Mama has summarized what the WHO, the European Food Safety Authority, and the French courts are officially saying, with supporting sources.

The World Health Organization's opinion

The WHO has a specialized committee, the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. Its role is to determine whether a substance should be placed under international control, such as narcotics.

In June 2018, this committee reviewed pure CBD. Its conclusion, published in September 2018, was that CBD has no psychoactive properties and poses no risk of abuse or dependence. The committee therefore recommended that pure CBD preparations not be placed under international control. This is why people say that CBD doesn’t get you high.

The Position of the European Food Safety Authority

CBD, a “novel food” to be evaluated

In Europe, the European Commission considers CBD to be a “novel food”: a product that was not consumed in significant quantities prior to 1997. Before it can be sold for consumption, it must be evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and then authorized. Several applications are currently under review, and none have been authorized to date.

June 2022: Not enough data to draw conclusions

On June 7, 2022, EFSA announced that it could not yet determine the safety of CBD as a novel food. It lacked data on its effects on the liver, the gastrointestinal system, the endocrine system, the nervous system, and psychological well-being. Animal studies also showed adverse effects, particularly on reproduction.

The chair of the expert panel made a point of clarifying an important issue: EFSA did not conclude that CBD was dangerous. It simply placed the dossiers on hold pending new data.

February 2026: A Cautious Update

On February 9, 2026, EFSA published an update to its opinion. It confirms that the data gaps identified in 2022 still exist. It also states that the safety of CBD could not be established for people under 25, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people taking medications.

The status of CBD in Ireland

CBD is not a narcotic

On December 29, 2022, the Council of State overturned the decree prohibiting the sale of raw hemp flowers and leaves with a THC content not exceeding 0.3 percent. It noted that CBD has no psychotropic effects and is not addictive; therefore, it cannot be considered a narcotic.

CBD Products and Diet

In Europe, only hemp seeds and their derivatives—such as seed oil—and leaves intended solely for use in herbal tea are exempt from the “novel food” designation, provided they are not enriched with CBD.

That’s why our CBD oils are labeled “This product is not intended for consumption.” Mama asks that you always follow the instructions on the label.

What Mama Takes Away From It

• CBD does not get you high and is not addictive: both the WHO and the Council of State say so.
• Europe has not yet authorized it as a novel food due to a lack of sufficient data.
• The THC content of hemp-derived products must not exceed 0.3%.
• The label on your product is authoritative: read it and follow the instructions.

As an active ingredient, CBD may interact with certain medications. If you’re taking medication, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, Mama strongly recommends that you talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using a CBD product.

As you can see, science is advancing, and the authorities remain cautious. Mama will continue to follow their guidance and keep you informed, citing clear sources.