Scientific understanding of CBD is rapidly advancing, but CBD producers must still be very careful not to make any unsubstantiated Health claims about CBD. Producers and proponents of CBD sometimes claim it has health benefits, such as treating anxiety, mood and sleep disorders and a variety of medical conditions. This is still illegal in the United States. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission), which regulates the marketing of health supplements, has made it very clear they do not tolerate unsupported health claims. In December 2020, the FTC levied fines against six Cbd Manufacturers who were making claims that CBD could do things such as eliminate pain or replace prescription drugs. This is the first time that the US federal government has taken financial action against CBD manufacturers for making medical claims.
The FTC argues that there is not enough scientific data to support health claims around CBD, but some other regulatory organizations are moving forward as though the scientific data does already exist. In January 2019, the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended that cannabis be removed from their drug control conventions. They moved that cannabis products containing less than o.2% THC be reclassified so they are no longer treated the same way as drugs like heroin and cocain. The WHO recognized the plant’s potential health benefits and the chance of misuse being less than those other drugs.
Up to this point US regulating bodies (FDA and FTC) have issued some general guidance to CBD manufacturers, but more specific guidelines are coming. In July 2020 the FDA made recommendations to the White House on how CBD regulation should proceed. The Trump administration did not take any action on these recommendations, but it is expected that the Biden administration will take up the challenge. Until further guidance comes from federal regulators, CBD manufacturers must follow their state Department of Health. Finally, CBD manufacturers must continue to monitor themselves and be sure they comply with all current federal and state regulations.
