Businesses selling food and beverages infused with CBD have a message for the Food and Drug Administration: Regulate us, please.
Congress’ legalization of hemp products, including most CBD, in December is forcing the FDA to consider writing new rules — and casting a cloud of uncertainty over the emerging industry. The absence of clear regulations has cities and states, even ones that have legalized forms of marijuana, pulling products off shelves and levying fines against establishments that sell CBD-infused food and beverages.
In anticipation of new federal rules, New York City, Ohio and Maine have asked restaurants to stop selling CBD food and drinks in recent weeks, saying the FDA doesn’t recognize the products as safe. The legal uncertainty is frustrating startups trying to cash in on the surging popularity of CBD and is likely keeping large food and beverage companies on the sidelines, industry executives say.
