The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs today released new research that reveals the various tactics CBD companies use to thwart the FDA review process and assert that their therapeutical claims are backed by science. The study found nearly 1,000 health claims touting CBD’s ability to mitigate symptoms or treat mental health, autism, pain, sexual health, AIDS, cancer, COVID-19, and more, providing just a snapshot of the current, unregulated marketing tactics being used to mislead the public.
“It’s important that consumers understand what they’re up against when it comes to the current marketplace,” said Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League. “Day in and day out we see CBD products promoted by celebrities and ‘health experts’ who have no clue what is truly in the products they push. This research helps give a snapshot of just how many misleading claims are out there and will help consumers better understand how to identify – and know to question – marketing red flags.”
“Unfortunately, many CBD manufacturers talk quite a bit about research, but have rarely engaged in the kind of large-scale randomized controlled trials necessary to establish that a drug is safe and effective,” said Theo Caputi, M.P.H, M.SC. author of the study. “CBD products are flooding the retail marketplace -- readily available to consumers – and this review shows a serious need for adequate research and testing to ensure safety of these products and effectiveness for the claims companies are making."
For more, read the NCL Press Release here.