On July 12, 2019, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Principal Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amy Abernathy announced via Twitter that the FDA is expediting its work to address the regulation of cannabidiol (CBD). She stated that FDA intends to report on its progress “around end of summer/early fall.”
Dr. Abernathy added that the FDA is enthusiastic about research into the therapeutic benefits of CBD products but reiterated the need to balance safety concerns. She also acknowledged the intense interest around this issue by saying that in addition to the over 100 speakers who presented at the May 31 FDA public hearing on cannabis products, there have been 3,417 comments submitted to the public docket (with four days remaining before the July 16 deadline).
Congress has also recently pressed the FDA for expedited action on CBD regulation. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., sent the FDA a letter on June 25 urging the FDA to promptly issue guidance that ensures a regulatory pathway for the lawful use of hemp-derived CBD as a food additive and as an ingredient in dietary supplements. He called for FDA to issue an “enforcement discretion guidance” by August 1.
On the other side of the aisle, Senator Mitch McConnell, R-KY, met with Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Ned Sharpless on June 28 and urged him to develop regulations to allow hemp-derived CBD to be lawfully marketed.
The House also recently passed an amendment to appropriations legislation directing FDA to “undertake a process to make lawful a safe level for conventional foods and dietary supplements containing [CBD] so long as the products are compliant with all other FDA rules and regulations.”
The emerging CBD industry creates opportunities for current participants in the drug supply chain, physicians, and other healthcare providers. However, anyone either currently involved in marketing or providing CBD products or those desiring to get into the CBD market should engage qualified guidance. Frier Levitt Government Affairs and Frier Levitt are committed to the healthcare industry and can provide sage advice to providers. Contact us today.