The Federal Drug Administration (F.D.A.) has warned a company for selling “unapproved” cannabidiol products and making “unsubstantiated claims” about the health benefits regarding the use of the products. The F.D.A. warns that if the company continues on advertising their products without the agency’s approval, lawsuits will be filed.
The company, named Curaleaf, received a letter of warning from the F.D.A. regarding their business practices involving their cannabidiol (CBD) products, an active ingredient in cannabis.
CBD research has yield mixed-results in terms of its health benefits. One study suggests that using CBD and regularly consuming its byproducts will lead to a lowering of the risk of bladder cancer, but at the same time, may increase the risk for prostate cancer.
Amidst the inconclusive research on CBD, Curaleaf, which presents itself as a “leading […] medical and wellness cannabis operator in the United States,” is advertising its health benefits. The company sells a host of “medical-grade” cannabis products in various strains and concentrations.
“This letter is to advise you that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) reviewed your website at the Internet address https://curaleafhemp.com in April and June 2019 and has determined that you take orders there for the products CBD Lotion, CBD Pain-Relief Patch, CBD Tincture, CBD Disposable Vape Pen and Bido CBD for Pets, all of which you promote as products containing cannabidiol (CBD),” wrote the F.D.A. in their letter to Curaleaf.
Furthermore, the drug regulatory agency questions the advertisement posted by the company on different social media platforms like Facebook because it included certain products that are yet to be approved by the agency. The F.D.A. “determined that your CBD Lotion, CBD Pain-Relief Patch, CBD Tincture, and CBD Disposable Vape Pen products are unapproved new drugs sold in violation of sections 505(a) and 301(d) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act), 21 U.S.C. 355(a) and 331(d).”
The F.D.A. in its letter said that the company illegally sells products that claim to “prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure serious diseases.”
