What the FDA Has to Say About CBD Today

What the FDA Has to Say About CBD Today

                                  Image Credit: US News

Though the United States has made some serious strides in regard to legalization and the acceptance of chemical compounds like CBD, current rules and regulations are still a bit muddied for the general public. Right now, there just simply isn’t sufficient scientific evidence surrounding the benefits of CBD, causing the Food and Drug Administration to still be a bit iffy towards the popular cannabinoid. 

Today, the FDA’s opinions on CBD have shifted a bit over the years, however, there is quite a bit of hesitancy surrounding the chemical compound. To help you fully understand how the FDA views CBD today, we’ve done our best to break down the current rules and regulations, products, and potential proposals surrounding the soothing cannabinoid. With how many questions arise pertaining to the legality and trustworthiness of CBD, TerVita believes clear answers are important. 

Rules and Regulations

Two years ago, the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, allowing the cultivation of hemp plants containing less than 0.3% of THC and varying amounts of CBD. This acceptance of CBD allowed for a bigger embrace of the cannabinoid by the public as it became better understood that CBD itself isn’t intoxicating and may have significant medical benefits. However, even though this bill was passed, the scientific evidence surrounding CBD is still lacking, leaving the FDA to be wary. 

In 2020, the FDA is slowly recognizing CBD’s potential properties, though they have yet to make any significant strides towards legalization or further regulation since the Farm Bill back in 2018. Though they support proper CBD-related medical research, they believe there is not sufficient enough evidence to allow for widespread FDA-approved CBD-infused products, foods, and medications. 

It is important to note that, though the FDA doesn’t currently accept CBD as a proper means of treatment, many states have taken it upon themselves to pass laws that do embrace CBD’s properties. This is crucial to remember when buying CBD products in states where it is legal: just because the state has approved it, doesn’t mean it has gone through the rigorous testing that the FDA deems necessary. However, the FDA does openly welcome any medical-based CBD discussion from states that feel willing to share. 

CBD and FDA-Approved Products in 2020

Currently, the FDA has only approved one drug that contains ingredients actively derived from cannabis. Epidiolex is a seizure medication that has been crafted solely to treat two extremely rare forms of epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Both of these syndromes are chronic, with the medication actually being the first FDA-approved drug for those with Dravet. Prior to Epidiolex, Dravet syndrome was said to be completely untreatable. 

This drug was approved back in 2018 and is continuing to help those over the age of two today. Epidiolex was the first of its kind, being the flagship cannabis-derived FDA drug. However, it continues to be the only one, as not another drug like it has been approved since its creation. The way that CBD acted in regard to epilepsy was unprecedented, and cannabis science has just simply yet to see something like it again. Once they do, the FDA can continue to approve drugs similar to that of Epidiolex. 

Depending on where you live, you may come across CBD-infused food and beverages on the shelves of your favorite smoke shop or health and wellness shop. It is important to keep in mind that, though these are being sold on shelves, it does not mean they have been FDA-approved. Again, the only product that has been FDA-approved with cannabis derivatives is that of Epidiolex. 

What’s to Come 

Though progress has been relatively quiet on the front of CBD, there are still steps being made behind the scenes. The FDA made a statement back in March of this year ensuring the public that they’re still dedicated to learning more about the cannabinoid and its potential medical benefits. Along with educating themselves about the science behind CBD, they’re also continuing to educate the public on how to find trustworthy, safe CBD products in hopes of avoiding another vaping crisis. 

As more companies are creating CBD-infused products, the FDA is working closely with these manufacturers to receive any data that could help further close the gaps of cannabis knowledge between the public, the FDA, and the scientific community. The Food and Drug Administration is currently working towards providing venue opportunities for cannabis researchers that need it in hopes of receiving scientific collaboration that is beneficial on all ends. 

So, while information right now may be a bit lacking, patience is all you need. Long-term effects are crucial to understand, and information such as that doesn’t come quickly. 

Staying Safe

All in all, with the lack of evidence surrounding CBD, the FDA simply cannot definitively approve it for medical treatments, besides that of epilepsy. Though the potential is clear, the proof has to be within the scientific studies, and, right now, it just simply isn’t. 

Until it is, then, being as cautious as possible about your CBD products is crucial. You should only purchase from credible, reputable CBD retailers such as TerVita ourselves. Companies like ours take the extra step to prove our quality by providing information like our third-party lab-test results. These help to reassure you that our CBD products are full of only the best, cleanest, and healthiest ingredients possible, as they’ve been tested by someone other than ourselves. With this information presented and TerVita’s clear transparency, there’s no reason to be concerned. 

Though the Food and Drug Administration itself has only approved one CBD-infused medication, that doesn’t mean that Epidiolex will be the last. 2020 is the year of change, and the cannabis community will continue to do everything it can to give both the FDA and the public answers to your everyday cannabis questions. While you may have to be a little patient, as it might be a while until you can purchase some CBD-infused FDA-approved treats in your grocery store, the wait is undoubtedly worth it. 

After all, cannabinoids are still widely unknown; it is better to be totally safe than take any chances, and it is clear that the FDA aligns with that thinking.