The debate over cannabis marketing recently attracted global attention when the United Nations Office on Crime and Drugs (UNODC) called for a “comprehensive ban on advertising, promoting, and sponsoring cannabis.” The recommendations in the recent UNODC’s World Drug Report are similar to actions by the World Health Organization on tobacco advertising, raising concerns that economic incentives are diminishing health and safety priorities.
In a VICE World News interview, Angele Me, UNODC’s head of research and trends analysis, said: “…you have a large private sector now that is pushing to expand the cannabis market with all kinds of products claiming many things. It’s like tobacco advertising 100 years ago, which said tobacco was good for anything. The main thing is to make sure young people are not tricked by adverts into thinking cannabis is a healthy choice, when it’s not.”
CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant, and there is increased concern about CBD and youth. CBD candies and gummies have become increasingly popular, and experts continue to warn about the dangers of these products, particularly for children.
The U.N. report stated that a ban on cannabis advertising broadly “would ensure that public health interests prevail over business interests.”
The CBD market is riddled with mislabeled, and often contaminated products. We at Consumers for Safe CBD continue to encourage the FDA to take stronger action against companies making misleading claims about their CBD products. Learn more about our suggested solutions here.
Click here to read the UNODC World Drug Report.