January 26, 2023
The FDA said there are too many “unknowns” about CBD products to regulate them as food or supplements under the agency’s current structure. Instead, the agency said Congress should create new rules for the massive and growing market.
The marijuana derived products have become increasingly popular in lotions and other products even though their official legal status is a little murky in the US. There’s not enough evidence about CBD to confirm that it’s safe for use in foods or as a dietary supplement, FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said in a statement.
The FDA has oversight of CBD because it is the active ingredient in an approved prescription drug, Epidiolex, used to treat two rare seizure disorders. Under FDA regulations, a drug can’t be added to food or sold as a dietary supplement if officials haven’t determined if it’s safe or effective for other conditions.
The FDA’s action comes after repeated calls from lawmakers, advocates and consumer groups for CBD to be allowed in foods and supplements.
More from the FDA on the CBD decision here.
