The U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission jointly issued warning letters to three American companies for unsubstantiated claims regarding CBD. The claims are carried in online platforms operated by the companies as well as social media, FDA said.
The companies warned are: Advanced Spine and Pain LLC (d/b/a Relievus), Nutra Pure LLC and PotNetwork Holdings Inc., FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced in an update on FDA activities related to cannabis.
‘Egregious claims’
“The companies used these online platforms to make unfounded, egregious claims about their products’ ability to limit, treat or cure cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, autoimmune diseases, opioid use disorder, and other serious diseases, without sufficient evidence and the legally required FDA approval,” the FDA said in the statement.
The false claims ranged from “CBD successfully stopped cancer cells in multiple different cervical cancer varieties” to “CBD may be used to avoid or reduce withdrawal symptoms,” among others, according to the FDA.
Gottlieb departing
Gottlieb, who is outgoing from the FDA, also announced the formation of a high-level internal agency working group to explore potential pathways for dietary supplements and conventional foods containing CBD, and set a public hearing May 31 for stakeholders to share their experiences and challenges with cannabis-based products.
“We recognize that stakeholders are looking to the FDA for clarity on how our authorities apply to such products, what pathways are available to market such products lawfully under these authorities,” Gottlieb said.
