TAMPA, FL – November 7, 2019 – In the Naples Daily News article, "FDA Issues Warnings to Two Naples Companies that Sell CBD Products," cannabis law attorney Richard M. Blau provides insight surrounding FDA warning letters received by two companies in Naples that are marketing cannabidiol (CBD) products.
The FDA sent warning letters to the two businesses in the span of one month, which put the Southwest Florida retirement mecca at the top of the list for the most CBD-related warning letters so far this year, according to the FDA website. It is important to note that warning letters regarding CBD products are infrequent – so far this year, the federal agency has sent seven as opposed to one in 2018 and four in 2017.
The letters advise companies they need to take corrective actions to address federal law violations for selling unapproved new drugs and/or dietary supplements that either do not contain the levels of CBD claimed, or lack federal approval for preventing or treating any disease (per the FDA’s website).
According to Mr. Blau, companies that have robust marketing of CBD products on websites and in social media particularly grab the FDA’s attention. At the heart of regulators’ concerns are the marketing of products to the public that currently lack standards relating to product integrity, as well as labeling requirements that assure consumers are informed concerning ingredients, dosage levels and other important product information.
"In my opinion, the FDA is working hard to get appropriate standards and guidelines for labeling and dosaging (for CBD products) and those don’t exist yet," he states.
Mr. Blau mentions that when the FDA first started sending warning letters, there was an expectation the agency would shut down companies across America – but that has yet to occur.
Looking to the future, the federal agency said it is examining potential regulatory options for the lawful marketing of cannabis products; however, the agency also stresses that protecting and promoting the public health through "science-based decision-making" remains its top priority.
To read the full article, click here.