Switzerland to «denature» CBD oils to prevent their consumption

The Swiss Confederation will require CBD oil manufacturers to add a product «denaturant at an appropriate concentration» for « discourage abusive oral ingestion».». To put it plainly: they will have to make their oils virtually unfit for consumption. Products already on the market can remain there for another six months. After this date, they will become unsaleable.

This decision already appears in the Lettre fédérale, the equivalent of the Journal officiel in France - proof of its seriousness. One major unknown remains: will the «denaturants» make the oil impossible to consume, or simply give it a bad taste?

Until now, these products have been classified as «chemical products» under Swiss regulations. And not as «food products». The health authorities have now discovered the truth. If these oils are classified alongside soap and detergent, why is there a pipette?

«Switzerland will not ban these products directly, but will make them impossible to consume.», analysis for Newsweed Simon Anderfurhen, an independent Swiss researcher specializing in drug regulation. In his view, the federal government will «authorize the consumption of CBD oil in a therapeutic, medicinal setting».

Swiss oils too high in dosage

A logical next step for this Geneva-based specialist: « It's the result of a marketing pitch by the CBD industry that advanced therapeutic claims for their products.» From now on, the authorities want to regain control and make passing off cannabidiol as a drug, sold in pharmacies. And who says pharmacy, says strict quality controls.

Especially since recent months have not been kind to the CBD industry. A February study by the Association of Swiss Cantonal Chemists showed that most CBD oils were not safe to use. were too heavily dosed. Scientists warned of a «lamentable report». They pointed the finger at companies that did not «They do not »respect at all the self-checking they are required to do".

As a result, the partial ban on CBD oil appears to be a sanction on the part of the health authorities. «If you want to be an industry, you have to behave like one., confided a Swiss boss who wished to remain anonymous. Self-monitoring is a fine utopia, but unfortunately it's never enough. When it's not the regulator getting in our way, it's the industry itself.»