January 26, 2023 -- The federal government denied three citizen petitions for guidance on the use of CBD in food and supplements. CBD is also known as cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive compound that comes from cannabis.
The FDA said Thursday that it plans to develop a new regulatory framework with Congress to ensure safe use. Current safety standards for supplements and additives don’t work for cannabidiol, the FDA said.
"We have not found adequate evidence to determine how much CBD can be consumed, and for how long, before causing harm," FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement.
“The use of CBD raises various safety concerns, especially with long-term use,” Woodcock said. “Studies have shown the potential for harm to the liver, interactions with certain medications and possible harm to the male reproductive system.”
“A new regulatory pathway would benefit consumers by providing safeguards and oversight to manage and minimize risks related to CBD products.”
The FDA generally hasn’t done much to enforce rules regarding CBD, Reuters reported. Instead, the organization has focused on food and beverage products that make unproven health claims.
CBD products also can’t meet safety standards for substances in animal food, the FDA said, and it will not give new rules allowing it to be used in animal food.
"A new regulatory pathway for CBD is needed that balances individuals' desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks," the agency said.
Some states allow the use of cannabis products, but they are illegal at the federal level.