EFSA Draft opinion on Δ⁸-THC – Derivation of a Health Based Guidance Value Δ⁸-THC

Recommendations from the Panel

TOX/2025/33

Last updated: 01 September 2025

This is a paper for discussion. This does not represent the views of the Committee and should not be cited.

   77.            The following recommendations were made by the Panel:

i) According to relevant information from a preliminary screening of the new literature on Δ9-THC, since 2015, the data suggest that a further risk assessment of Δ9-THC is 178 needed. The Panel recommended updating the evaluation of dose-effect relationships especially for the low-dose-range in human and experimental animal studies, and endpoints investigated in developmental and reproductive toxicology studies.

ii) Further studies on the transfer rate of Δ⁸-THC, and its metabolites, into animal products intended for human consumption are needed.

iii) Monitoring/data evaluation of food samples should be performed using suitable and validated analytical methods for Δ⁸-THC.

iv) Investigations into the formation of Δ⁸-THC from naturally present cannabinoids during food processing and storage should be carried out to give more insights into the source of Δ⁸-THC in food.