Consumer Brands Association Urging Federal Regulators 'Keep Pace' with CBD

The Consumer Brands Association is urging federal regulators to 'keep pace' with cannabidiol (CBD). That's according to the association, which stressed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) that federal engagement is critical to ensuring consumer safety. 

A recent CBA/Ipsos poll found that 74% of consumers are unaware that cannabidiol (CBD) isn't federally regulated, prompting the CBA push for government action. The same poll found that 28% of Americans have used CBD; however, inconsistent state regulations combined with lack of testing are prompting concern from the advocacy group. 

In a letter sent to Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, Betsy Booren, Consumer Brands’ senior vice president of regulatory and technical affairs, outlined what was needed from federal regulators to protect consumers. Sen. Wyden received a similar letter, both of which stressed that regulating CBD would "[ensure] product safety and transparency and establish guardrails for legal product innovation and distribution in interstate commerce that provides clarity to manufacturers of CBD products." 

“Until the federal government establishes clear, uniform standards for testing, safety and ingredient levels, this market will continue to grow without appropriate federal oversight, potentially placing American consumers at risk,” Booren wrote in her letter to Acting Commissioner Woodcock.