Since its inception, Consumers for Safe CBD has worked with partners and key stakeholders to educate consumers about the potential dangers of CBD and continues to encourage the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take strong, effective, and prompt action to protect the public from the potential harms posed by unregulated, untested CBD. Hence, we were encouraged by the recent FDA statement calling for better science, more data, and increased testing to determine the risks and benefits associated with CBD.
In the statement, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn and Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy said: “We still don’t have clear answers to important questions such as what adverse reactions may be associated with CBD products and what risks are associated with the long-term use of CBD products. Better data in these areas are needed for the FDA and other public health agencies to make informed, science-based decisions that impact public health.”
FDA also acknowledged its “limited understanding of the safety profile of CBD and many other cannabis-derived compounds, including potential safety risks for people and animals. At the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, we see these knowledge gaps as an opportunity to develop new ways of building the science to inform public health decisions.”
Clearly, this is a step in the right direction, and we look to the Biden Administration, new leadership at the FDA and Congress to help establish a regulatory pathway at the federal level for safe CBD consumer products. Consumers want – and need – more guidance and engagement from the FDA – the gold standard in consumer protection. As we enter the new year, we are optimistic that regulators and policymakers will continue to recognize the importance of more thorough, science-based research and increased oversight to guide the public and protect consumer health and wellness.
Click here to read the full FDA statement.