The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Thursday January 26 that it had decided not to impose regulations on the production and sale of cannabidiol-based dietary supplements. A setback for the American CBD industry.
Believing that there is currently insufficient data on the “various safety issues” associated with CBD, the FDA has declined to impose a precise framework regulating cannbidiol (CBD) derived products as foods or supplements.
The FDA argued that its mission of imposing a regulatory framework on foods and supplements to provide “limited indications” could not be achieved in the absence of definitive studies, calling on Congress to create new rules for the market until the US regulatory agency can propose a clear framework for CBD production and trade.
Potential public health problems
For the FDA, the consumption of CBD in a specific setting raises potential public health issues, particularly with long-term use. Several studies have reported liver problems linked to over-absorption of CBD, interactions with certain medications and an impact on fertility in men. CBD could also have adverse effects on the health of children and pregnant women.
A clear regulatory framework would enable consumers to be better informed about the potential risks associated with CBD products. Some tools for managing these risks could include clear labels, prevention of contaminants (pesticides, preservatives), CBD content limits and measures such as minimum purchase ages. The same framework would provide a more reliable and secure environment for the trade in CBD products for animals.
Consumer frustration
The decision comes after numerous elected officials, legislators, advocates of the US CBD industry and consumer groups lobbied for CBD to be sold as a dietary supplement.
While health experts applaud the agency’s call for more evidence, frustration is growing among CBD market leaders.
