CBD Products are Finally a Major Focal Point of the FDA

Are you hearing that loud boom? I’m sure you’re curious as to what it is. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Think I’m going crazy? No insanity here, I’m talking the CBD market! The market, the curiosity, and the creativity surrounding CBD products is exciting. A simple google search of the term “CBD oil” will return dozens of pages of information ranging from “CBD benefits” to ads encouraging you to buy CBD oil and various CBD reviews. There is a treasure trove of information out there and new information coming out everyday.

The only thing slowing it down is the fact that the FDA has not finalized its rules. We see all this information pouring out of our computer screens about CBD tinctures and CBD gummies and we have to think, “where there’s a supply there must be a demand.” Who is it that’s consuming all this information about CBD creating the demand for information? The short answer is seemingly everyone.

Ok not every person everywhere, but there are millions of people from all walks of life, from all over the country and world that want to know more about CBD. The range of people looking at CBD extends from working moms to doctors. Athletes in different sports from football to powerlifting to golf have talked about using CBD. So, where are the federal rules? The FDA held its first public hearing on CBD recently and got a ton of feedback.

CBD advocates, too, called for clearer rules. “There is an urgent need for an efficient regulatory framework,” Jonathan Miller, general counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable said, who said his association, which represents many of the top CBD producers, is willing to work with the FDA “to help the agency establish measures of quality safety and transparency for the entire industry.” Among the concerns raised both by FDA officials and industry speakers: Whether allowing CBD products to be regulated under the FDA’s lax dietary supplement rules would disincentivize the more rigorous research required before an FDA-approved drug can be put on the market.

The reality is, if there is money to be made off of a product, there is 100 percent certainty the federal government will come knocking on the door looking to see what all the hub-bub is about. We can clearly see where we are on the timeline of government nose poking. The FDA has it’s pros and cons, but the short of it is that they want to make sure that people are being safe, and that there is a base level of safety and health standards that all manufacturers are adhering to. They also don't like misleading marketing hype either.

This can be cumbersome and regulation does increase costs, but it helps to protect me and you as consumers. Because there is no regulation regarding CBD at this time there is concern that some manufacturers are cutting corners and not providing you with what they say they are. Until the FDA makes a decision to clarify what is required of CBD manufacturers I strongly suggest sticking with companies like Sugar and Kush that provide third party lab reports verifying contents and purity. A low-calorie, low-sugar Hazelnut CBD tincture can be great in all sorts of foods and drinks.

Read more at PBS.org