U.S.

The FDA Plans To Regulate CBD In Food And Drink Products

The FDA Commissioner told a House panel Wednesday that he's concerned about drugstores currently selling CBD products without federal oversight.

The FDA Plans To Regulate CBD In Food And Drink Products
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Outgoing FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb told congressional lawmakers Wednesday that he doesn't like the idea of drugstores selling CBD products without federal regulation. 

"We expressed concern yesterday, I did, about Walgreens and CVS stepping into this market. So you now see big box stores seeking to market CBD products for some uses where the claims seem to be potentially over the line, for the treatment of pain, for example," Gottlieb said. 

He's referring to recent announcements from Walgreens and CVS that they'd start stocking some cannabis-derived products, like CBD oil or cream. 

Even though the 2018 farm bill technically legalized hemp, the FDA still hasn't approved adding CBD to dietary products. 

On Tuesday, the agency sent warning letters to three companies for allegedly making unfounded claims about CBD's ability to treat serious diseases. 

During Wednesday's hearing, Gottlieb said the FDA will take an enforcement approach to prompt voluntary compliance from retailers. It's holding a public hearing on May 31 to look at ways to regulate cannabis-based products across the U.S. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN