Curaleaf Products to be Pulled from CVS Shelves Due to of FDA Warning

Curaleaf, a CBD company based in Massachusetts, received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration concerning the company’s sale of CBD products claiming to treat serious health issues.

The Agency also issued a press announcement on the warning letter, stating that the company received a warning letter,

“for illegally selling unapproved products containing cannabidiol (CBD) online with unsubstantiated claims that the products treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, opioid withdrawal, pain and pet anxiety, among other conditions or diseases.”

The announcement also indicates that FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D. stated,

“Selling unapproved products with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims — such as claims that CBD products can treat serious diseases and conditions — can put patients and consumers at risk by leading them to put off important medical care. Additionally, there are many unanswered questions about the science, safety, effectiveness and quality of unapproved products containing CBD.”

It appears that the letter is already having repercussions on Curaleaf. Reportedly, CVS will be pulling some of Curaleaf’s products from its shelves. The FDA letter touched upon several of Curleaf’s products, such as lotions, pain relief patches, vape pens, and tinctures.

Mike DeAngelis, CVS’s Senior Director indicated, “Following the FDA’s warning letter to Curaleaf, we will be removing these items from our CBD offering.” He added, “At this time, we have no plans to resume selling these products once they are removed from our stores.”

Per the letter, Curaleaf has 15 days to respond to the FDA. Curaleaf indicated in a statement that the letter is currently under review and that,

“We can reaffirm that nothing in the letter raises an issues concerning the safety of any Curaleaf product. Curaleaf products are all derived from hemp and meet the requirements of the Farm Bill.”

All information is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing should be interpreted as legal or wellness advice.