Most companies in the hemp CBD industry are eager to share the benefits their products have to offer. But did you know many of these are considered unauthorized or unsubstantiated health claims by the FDA?
What is a Health Claim?
To quote the FDA directly:
“Authorized health claims in food labeling are claims that have been reviewed by FDA and are allowed on food products or dietary supplements to show that a food or food component may reduce the risk of a disease or a health-related condition. Such claims are supported by scientific evidence and may be used on conventional foods and on dietary supplements to characterize a relationship between a substance (a specific food component or a specific food) and a disease or health-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure). The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA) directed FDA to issue regulations providing for the use of health claims. All health claims must undergo review by the FDA through a petition process.”
These health claims have a direct impact on how the FDA views a product and can change the definition of said product (food, supplement, or drug). Currently, there are no authorized claims for food products or dietary supplements containing CBD.
Despite hemp’s legal status in the 2018 farm bill, the FDA has a responsibility to regulate cannabis products under the Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act. The FDA says they are currently working on creating clear pathways for CBD to be marketed in food or supplements.
For now, self-regulation and striving for a higher standard is key to preserving the integrity of the hemp industry. We intend to do just that.
Supporting the Future of Hemp in America
Hemp-derived products are encountering rough terrain in the regulatory landscape as they reenter the US economy as an agricultural commodity. And though the FDA is working toward creating clear pathways for hemp-derived CBD, the fact remains that the industry is outpacing clear regulation.
To support hemp’s future in America, Hemplucid has decided to make no claims regarding the health impact of our products. We believe our products stand on their own merit.
We encourage our customers to do their own research, to make an educated decision regarding their health and the use of hemp-derived products, then purchase from a company they can trust.
At Hemplucid, we feel we are that company.
