The announcement was a blow to the flourishing CBD industry, which had hoped the federal entity would give its stamp of approval on CBD consumption. Instead, the agency punted to Congress, asking for new regulations governing its use.
There's disappointing news for cannabidiol (CBD) enthusiasts.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week that CBD-infused products derived from cannabis or hemp and used in products as varied as bar soap and cooking oil do not meet federal safety standards and therefore require stricter regulations.
The announcement was a blow to the flourishing CBD industry, which had hoped the federal entity would give its stamp of approval on CBD consumption. Instead, the agency punted to Congress, asking for new regulations governing its use.
FDA completely whiffs and strikes down against CBD-infused food and beverage, ending months of silence
According to an agency statement, CBD consumption raises various safety concerns, especially long-term use. It referenced studies that show possible harm to the liver and male reproductive system and, in addition to potential unknown reactions with some medicines. Exposure to CBD may also be risky for vulnerable communities such as children and pregnant women.
Hemp was legalized through the 2018 Farm Bill legalized, but the legality of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) remained up in the air.
This is mainly because CBD can be produced from cannabis or hemp. Still, if the hemp plant contains greater than 0.3 % tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the active "psychoactive" compound in cannabis), it is considered a marijuana plant under the language in the Farm Bill.
Amid all these confusing categorizations, experts at the time agreed drafting and implementing regulations could amount to years.
The federal government never determined that CBD is "generally recognized as safe" for consumption in human or animal foods. And the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act forbids including even approved drugs in human or animal food for interstate commerce — meaning that CBD infused in food and drink has remained unlawful.
CBD-infused food and drinks are still illegal under U.S. law. So why are they everywhere?
Even without federal approval, CBD products have increased in the retail space, from energy drinks and bubbly water to lotions and drops — and even in a host of pet products. Industry research shows the global CBD market will grow to $1.25 billion by 2024, with thousands of CBD-infused products now available online.
