The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has fired off yet another warning letter to a manufacturer making false claims about the efficacy of its CBD products. The Arizona-based company was marketing products as having the ability to prevent the spread of cancer, opioid addiction, COVID-19, psoriasis, and other autoimmune diseases. The FDA sent a warning letter to the company as these claims are unproven, misleading, harmful, and illegal. None of these products have been approved by the FDA, and the marketing claims violate existing consumer protection regulations.
Most consumers are unaware that retail CBD products are not scientifically tested and remain unregulated, risking Americans’ health and wellness and causing much uncertainty. CBD product labels are frequently misleading, with limited – often inaccurate -- information on ingredients and potency. CBD itself is known to have potential risks, including liver toxicity, fatigue, and harmful interaction with other drugs. Unfortunately, too many products are widely available, and the marketplace continues to grow, all while false medical claims persist.
FDA is the gold standard in consumer protection, and the agency is stepping up its actions against false claims to ensure that products are safe and do what they say they will do. Over the past several years, FDA has issued dozens of warning letters to CBD manufacturers that market unproven medical claims, but more needs to be done to rein in the “wild west” retail CBD marketplace.
Consumers for Safe CBD welcomes this FDA action but continues to advocate for enhanced FDA guidance, education, and increased enforcement to help consumers in this unpredictable, potentially harmful CBD environment.