Cautious about CBD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a consumer update addressing health-related claims about cannabidiol (CBD) and issued a warning to consumers.

“Other than one prescription drug product to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy, the FDA has not approved any other CBD products, and there is very limited available information about CBD, including about its effects on the body,” the statement said.

The statement suggests that the effects of CBD could be toxic to the liver and dispels misleading health claims that CBD could cure cancer or other diseases.

“The FDA continues to believe the drug approval process represents the best way to help ensure that safe and effective new medicines, including any drugs derived from cannabis, are available to patients in need of appropriate medical therapy,” the statement says. “The agency is committed to supporting the development of new drugs, including cannabis and cannabis-derived drugs, through the investigational new drug and drug approval process.”