FDA warns top marijuana company for making CBD health claims

U.S. regulators warned a leading marijuana company for making unproven health claims about CBD, the trendy ingredient that’s turning up in lotions, foods and pet treats.

The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday it warned Curaleaf Inc., of Wakefield, Massachusetts, for illegally selling unapproved products. Curaleaf’s claims could lead people to delay medical care for serious conditions like cancer, the agency said.

“Consumers should beware of purchasing or using any such products,” said acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless in a statement.

The FDA has issued similar warning letters to smaller businesses, but this is the first since the agency began studying how it regulates CBD. The agency plans to report in the fall on its regulatory approach after holding a public hearing and receiving nearly 4,500 comments.

The agency is exploring “potential regulatory pathways” for some CBD products to be lawfully marketed, Sharpless said.

Curaleaf, which operates in 12 states, said it will work with the FDA to resolve the issues mentioned in the warning letter. The company’s shares fell more than 7% on the news, and some other cannabis stocks lost ground. [Read more at The Frederick News-Post]