Widespread CBD Growth Has Led to Inconsistencies: Tracking How Cannabidiol’s Market is Maturing

Legalization of CBD in many states has helped men and women with ailments to get the therapeutic support that they need. On the other hand, the growth of CBD has also led to the release of many different CBD products on the market that do not exactly meet high standards. As a result, users do not always have the opportunity to purchase products whose safety and efficacy has been proven by research and clinical studies.

A spokesperson for the FDA also seems to be concerned as well. In a recent article by the New York Times, the spokesperson shared

“This deceptive marketing of unproven treatments raises significant public health concerns, as it may keep some patients from accessing appropriate, recognized therapies to treat serious and even fatal diseases.”

Even then, according to a recent Forbes article titled It’s Time for CBD To Grow Up (If The FDA Will Let It), it notes that the CBD market is “taking off” and that it is estimated that the sale of CBD in the United States will reach $2.1 billion. There are a number of factors responsible for the growth, such as the perception that CBD can address a “wide-range” of illnesses, such as cancer, epilepsy, hair loss, and even acne.

In a recent article by Science News, it recognizes that there are many qualities about CBD that scientists still don’t know about. But that does not mean that researchers are not interested in finding out, but while also cautioning people as to the current products on the market. For instance, it is still unclear as to how CBD affects the human body. Susan Weiss, the Director of the Division of Extramural Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse shares in the article, “We’re very interested in CBD.” She adds that, even then, there is lax oversight concerning CBD and there is no telling what is in the products. She continues, “A lot of the products that people are taking may not be what they think.”

The FDA is not exactly hands-off the situation either. In a recent article by CNN titled FDA Looks into Regulating CBD in Food, Beverages, and More, it referenced FDA Commissioner Gottlieb’s statements concerning open questions regarding CBD safety. He said,

“It's critical that we address these unanswered questions about CBD and other cannabis and cannabis-derived products to help inform the FDA's regulatory oversight of these products.” He continued. “Especially as the agency considers whether it could be appropriate to exercise its authority to allow the use of CBD in dietary supplements and other foods.”

Thus, as CBD becomes more popular, so do the risks. As result, it is up to regulators to perceive the risk and to take action that could help protect users.