N°66 - Réglementation / Actualités Hemp: between myth and The therapeutic use of cannabis is no longer taboo. More and more foodstuffs formulated with hemp are being launched around the world. But are things moving in the right direction for Cannabis sativa L.? 042 A fter consulting a panel of experts,at the end of December, the FrenchNational Agency for Medicinesdifferences between these two varieties.These differences relate both to the typeand the concentration of certain molecules. (ANSM) gave the green light for an expe-Cannabis sativaL. contains approximately riment on therapeutic cannabis in France,113 cannabinoids described as having a which is to be finalized by the end of 2019. Itdirect effect on the body via specific cell- is the culmination of a subject that has beensurface receptors. The best known is THC, debated for many years and has been reac-highly sought for due to its psychotropic tivated by the recent authorizations in some properties. North American states (The United StatesIndustrial hemp contains cannabinoids, but and Canada) of therapeutic cannabis... Inno THC, unlike cannabis, which may contain total, nearly thirty countries authorize it -up to 30%. Both hemp varieties contain including 21 from the European Union, Swit-CBD. This molecule is interesting because zerland, Norway, Israel, Turkey. it is described as having therapeutic but no In the food industry, beers and other alcohol-psychotropic effects. free drinks are starting to emerge (see Actif’s Magazine, Issue No. 65). Food supplements ◗ Europe are no exception to the rule. Cultivated hemp or Cannabis sativa L. isFASFC (Belgian Federal Agency for the the only species of the Cannabis plant thatSafety of the Food Chain) has published a includes many cultivars. A variety, some-Q&A on Cannabis sativa L. and cannabi- times referred to as industrial hemp, hasnoids (such as cannabidiol) used as such or been historically grown for its fibre contentin foodstuffs in order to recall the applicable used for the manufacture of fabrics, ropes,regulation in Belgium. and insulating building materials. AnotherThe document recalls that foodstuffs for- variety, cannabis, is used for “recreational”mulated with Cannabis sativa L. are pro- purposes. It is important to understand thehibited in Belgium. Cannabis sativa L. is ■ / Janvier - Février - Mars 2019 / N°66 / L’Actualité des Ingrédients Fonctionnels & Santé