The FDA has issued warnings to 15 CBD companies which they believe to be selling products that violate federal law.
It has also issued an update to consumers, reminding them of the potential health risks of taking cannabidiol.
The Food and Drug Administration has said that all 15 companies were claiming health benefits of their product which are unproven, mixing CBD into food, or advertising their product as a dietary supplement.
Companies that have received warnings include Pink Collections Inc. of Beverly Hills, Sunflora Inc. of Tampa, Red Pill Medical Inc. of Phoenix, and Whole Leaf Organics LLC of Sherman Oaks.
The cannabis byproduct has been making the news since the FDA approved CBD drug Epiolex back in 2018, but no CBD products have been approved since.
Regardless, since the passing of the Farm Bill, consumers can now purchase and use a range of CBD oils, edibles, and creams legally. CBD tinctures are among the most popular, which are often more potent than other forms of CBD products.
It is illegal for CBD companies to market their products as dietary supplements or claim they are a food or a therapeutic cure-all.
In a statement on its website, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy said, “As we work quickly to further clarify our regulatory approach for products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds like CBD, we’ll continue to monitor the marketplace and take action as needed against companies that violate the law in ways that raise a variety of public health concerns.”
“In line with our mission to protect the public, foster innovation, and promote consumer confidence, this overarching approach regarding CBD is the same as the FDA would take for any other substance that we regulate.”
Abernathy added that the FDA “remains concerned” that some consumers believe all CBD products on the market are FDA-approved, reiterating that only one prescription drug approved to treat two pediatric epilepsy disorders has passed so far.
Continued Abernathy, “We recognize the significant public interest in CBD and we must work together with stakeholders and industry to fill in the knowledge gaps about the science, safety, and quality of many of these products.”
The updated Consumer Update to the public has outlined the specific safety concerns surrounding CBD, including liver injury, drowsiness, mood swings, and its interference with other drugs.
Recent animal testing has revealed CBD use can “interfere” with the development and function of the testes and sperm, and decrease testosterone levels and impair sexual behavior in males. It remains unknown whether long-term CBD use could impact children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, and the FDA remains worried that the claims of CBD products could stop the public from seeking medical help.
Some users are also unaware of the difference between hemp oil and CBD, which serve very different purposes according to Daily CBD Mag.
The FDA added that this isn’t the first time it has sent warning letters out to companies illegally selling CBD as a preventative or cure for serious diseases, adding it to food, or marketing it as a treatment where it doesn’t meet requirements.
In its most recent letters, the agency has requested responses from the companies within 15 days stating how they will correct the violations.
If prompt improvements are not made, legal action may be taken including product seizure.
