At this time, the FDA is allowing the CBD industry to flourish in the United States. Still, this federal agency is ensuring that cannabidiol distributors do not market their products in illegal ways. So far, there is only one FDA approved CBD oil for prescription use in cases of rare childhood epilepsy. Until the FDA begins reviewing the cannabidiol products for retail sale, these manufacturers can distribute their items as long as they are not labeled as dietary supplements or marketed via the use of claims.
Are CBD Products FDA Approved?
Currently, the FDA wants to make sure that all available cannabidiol products are held to the highest purity standards. The US Federal Drug Administration has expressed concerns that some consumers believe the available CBD products have already been evaluated for their safety and efficacy. Since the items available for sale are not FDA approved, the federal agency wants to educate the population about the risks of ingesting inconsistent, un-tested CBD.
Luckily, there are a variety of third-party lab-tested CBD products that are verified to contain no residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and THC. We can all agree that grounded, responsible use of hemp extracts is the way to go. As such, we are in full support of the measures that the FDA is currently taking.
FDA Imposed Restrictions on CBD Sales
Last month, in November of 2019, fifteen FDA CBD warning letters were sent to cannabidiol distributors who were using illegal means to sell their cannabidiol. The reasons for these warning letters are as follows:
- Stating that CBD is a dietary supplement.
- Stating that CBD can be used for therapeutic applications.
- Stating that CBD can be used to treat disease.
- Adding CBD to food products designed for animal or human use.
- Marketing CBD for use with children.
In the US and many other nations, novel ingredients like cannabidiol undergo a review process before they can be labeled as dietary supplements. As the FDA has not reviewed CBD’s use as a supplement, it is illegal to encourage its classification as such. Without said status, therapeutic applications cannot be suggested for CBD.
Even for well established herbal and plant-based products, distributors need to be very mindful when promoting their items. Overt suggestions about the therapeutic management of symptoms, or the use of an item for disease, are often illegal. It would be absurd to imagine boxes of herbal teas being labeled as having anti-disease benefits, even if there is research investigating the subject.
These unreviewed CBD products should not be associated with claims that have not been cleared by the FDA. With all of this in mind, it is easy to see why the FDA is not encouraging the sale of CBD infused food and products, and why they do not want manufacturers making a profit by pushing cannabidiol use for children.
The companies who received these warnings were offered time to adjust their policies and content before further action was taken. This is not the first time the FDA has reached out to CBD distributors making claims, and it is likely not going to be the last. With time, education, and encouragement, all CBD products will become reliable and consistent. Supporting the FDA with cooperation is the best route to ensure free access to quality CBD. Remain vigilant, shop with authentic sources who honor FDA restrictions, and enjoy premium, compliant CBD.
