Consumer Groups Call for FDA Oversight of CBD Market
A new initiative created by consumer groups aims to educate consumers about what is known about CBD and what remains to be studied. The Consumers for Safe CBD initiative has been founded by the National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and derived from the hemp plant. The CBD market is growing rapidly with $500 million worth of CBD products sold in 2018 and a forecasted $1.8 billion in sales by 2022. However, research into and regulations around the safety of these products lags behind, the consumer groups report. CBD products include oils, candies, soaps, and even dog treats. It has been marketed to a wide audience for treating a range of health concerns, including joint discomfort, anxiety, stress, and other mental and physical ailments.
Consumers for Safe CBD will encourage the Food and Drug Administration to use its existing authority to protect consumers, provide guidance to manufacturers and encourage further research for FDA-approved CBD treatments.
“This is a clear and present public health issue,” said Sally Greenberg, executive director of National Consumers League. “Consumers are being told these products will cure their chronic illnesses and help their anxious pets or children. Yet there is no scientific evidence behind the claims. What’s even more concerning is that without FDA’s stamp of approval, we do not know what is in these products. Not only could CBD have negative side effects or interactions with other medications, these products may contain contaminants and ingredients that could harm consumers.”
“Consumers for Safe CBD is calling for CBD products to pass the gold standard tests that the FDA has put in place to protect consumers,” Greenberg explained. “CBD clearly has some potential therapeutic benefits but with unregulated, untested products exploding in the market, consumers are at risk.”
