Tag: CBD Business

Federal Trade Commission Issues New Warning Letters for CBD Products

Posted on September 20, 2019 by - Government Affairs

On September 10, 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warning letters to three unidentified companies that sell cannabidiol (CBD) products with claims that the products treat or cure serious diseases or health conditions. The warning letters send a message to the CBD industry that any such claims must be supported by sound scientific data.  Specifically, FTC requires competent and reliable scientific evidence to support any claims that a product prevents, treats or cures a medical condition.

One company claimed that its CBD product relieves pain better than prescription opioid painkillers, and was “clinically proven” by “thousands of hours of research” to treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and colitis.

A second company claimed that its CBD products are proven to treat a litany of serious diseases including autism, anorexia, schizophrenia, ALS, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and AIDS.

The third company claimed its CBD gummies were highly effective in treating “the root cause of most major degenerative diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, fibromyalgia, cancer, asthma, and wide spectrum of autoimmune disorders” along with various other serious conditions.

FTC warned these companies that selling CBD products without competent and reliable scientific evidence substantiating their claims could violate the FTC Act and may result in legal action resulting in penalties including injunction and the return of money to consumers.

These warning letters echo the March 2019 warning letters sent jointly by FTC and the Food and Drug Administration warning companies against making disease claims without adequate substantiation.

This latest round of warning letters highlights the potential pitfalls of marketing CBD products without a thorough understanding of the unsettled and complex regulatory environment for such products. If you need assistance navigating the regulatory environment for CBD or other cannabis-derived products, contact Frier Levitt Government Affairs to speak with an attorney.

FDA Announces it is Expediting Review of CBD

Posted on July 15, 2019 by - Government Affairs

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.

Demystifying CBD: What You Need to Know About the Growing Cannabidiol Market

Posted on April 26, 2019 by - Government Affairs

Cannabidiol (CBD) products have seemingly flood the market, suddenly springing up in many places. This has lead pharmacies, natural health food stores and other retailers to discuss new strategies to position themselves in the developing market of CBD. However, recent market saturation and uncertain regulatory oversight have caused massive confusion of whether these products are legal or not.

In this recorded webinar, Ron W. Lanton, Esq., Executive Director of Frier Levitt Government Affairs, explores several issues around CBD, including:
• CBD vs. THC
• An examination of current state and federal CBD and Marijuana policies
• A discussion of current administration viewpoints, including the FDA and DEA
• Other related business trends

Viewers of this webinar will be able to:
• Understand relevant CBD terms
• Comprehend the current viewpoints CBD and Marijuana policies and business trends
• Pinpoint the relationship of the FDA and DEA on CBD

Contact Frier Levitt Government Affairs today.