The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that “a new regulatory pathway for CBD is needed” and that it is ready to work with Congress on the matter.
Such a pathway “could provide access and oversight for certain CBD-containing products for animals,” according to a statement from Dr. Janet Woodcock, principal deputy commissioner of the FDA. The announcement follows a review by an internal working group at the agency.
The National Animal Supplement Council said in a statement that the language on products for animals was “very consistent with our discussions with our contacts at the FDA-CVM.” Bill Bookout, president of NASC, wrote that the announcement was “positive progress and added that “we welcome the opportunity to continue to help shape a viable path forward.”
He also wrote:
On behalf of our members, NASC has been on the forefront of this issue since 2015. Following our testimony at the FDA’s Public Meeting in 2019, we provided the agency with our program for what we believe are components of a responsible path forward. Our program includes virtually all general requirements mentioned in the announcement, and in addition, we are in the final stages of completing our long-term safety study for CBD, CBD/CBA and CBD/CBG in dogs. The results of our study have shown very favorable results within the administration ranges we identified.
More from the FDA statement:
Today, we are also denying three citizen petitions that had asked the agency to conduct rulemaking to allow the marketing of CBD products as dietary supplements.
The use of CBD raises various safety concerns, especially with long-term use. Studies have shown the potential for harm to the liver, interactions with certain medications and possible harm to the male reproductive system. CBD exposure is also concerning when it comes to certain vulnerable populations such as children and those who are pregnant.
A new regulatory pathway would benefit consumers by providing safeguards and oversight to manage and minimize risks related to CBD products. Some risk management tools could include clear labels, prevention of contaminants, CBD content limits, and measures, such as minimum purchase age, to mitigate the risk of ingestion by children. In addition, a new pathway could provide access and oversight for certain CBD-containing products for animals.
The FDA’s existing foods and dietary supplement authorities provide only limited tools for managing many of the risks associated with CBD products. Under the law, any substance, including CBD, must meet specific safety standards to be lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement or food additive.
The working group, which I chair, has closely examined studies related to the CBD-based drug Epidiolex, published scientific literature, information submitted to a public docket, as well as studies both conducted and commissioned by the agency. Given the available evidence, it is not apparent how CBD products could meet safety standards for dietary supplements or food additives. For example, we have not found adequate evidence to determine how much CBD can be consumed, and for how long, before causing harm. Therefore, we do not intend to pursue rulemaking allowing the use of CBD in dietary supplements or conventional foods.
CBD also poses risks to animals, and people could be unknowingly exposed to CBD through meat, milk and eggs from animals fed CBD. Because it is not apparent how CBD products could meet the safety standard for substances in animal food, we also do not intend to pursue rulemaking allowing the use of CBD in animal food. A new regulatory pathway could provide access and oversight for certain CBD-containing products for animals.
The FDA will continue to take action against CBD and other cannabis-derived products to protect the public, in coordination with state regulatory partners, when appropriate. We will remain diligent in monitoring the marketplace, identifying products that pose risks and acting within our authorities. The FDA looks forward to working with Congress to develop a cross-agency strategy for the regulation of these products to protect the public’s health and safety.