The National Consumers League (NCL) has launched Consumers for Safe CBD, a new initiative with the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) designed to warn the public of potential risks related to CBD products.

The CBD market is growing rapidly, but research into and regulations around the safety of these products lags behind. CBD products include oils, candies, soaps and even dog treats. It has been marketed to a wide audience for treating a range of health concerns, including joint discomfort, anxiety, stress and other mental and physical ailments.

Consumers for Safe CBD aims to educate consumers about what is known about CBD and what remains to be studied. The effort will also encourage the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to use its existing authority to protect consumers, provide guidance to manufacturers, and encourage further research for FDA-approved CBD treatments.

New public opinion research conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner finds that voters overwhelmingly – an 83 percent majority – support allowing the FDA to evaluate and regulate CBD products. The research found that ensuring the safety and effectiveness of CBD grows even stronger among those who have used CBD products or describe themselves as very familiar with them. When asked about illness resulting from vaping CBD, 83 percent of respondents expressed concern, with nearly half, 48 percent, being very concerned.

“This is a clear and present public health issue,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg. “Consumers are being told these products will cure their chronic illnesses and help their anxious pets or children, yet there is no scientific evidence behind the claims. What’s even more concerning is that without FDA’s stamp of approval, we do not know what is in these products. Not only could CBD have negative side effects or interactions with other medications, these products may contain contaminants and ingredients that could harm consumers.”

“Consumers for Safe CBD is calling for CBD products to pass the gold standard tests that the FDA has put in place to protect consumers,” Greenberg added. “CBD clearly has some potential therapeutic benefits but with unregulated, untested products exploding in the market, consumers are at risk.”

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