CBD-infused products continue to flood the market as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explores additional regulatory pathways for hemp products containing cannabidiol (CBD). Currently, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, CBD cannot lawfully be added to a food or marketed as a dietary supplement.

On September 10, 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent warning letters to three unnamed companies that sell oils, tinctures, capsules, “gummies,” and creams containing CBD. The FTC said the three companies advertised that their CBD products treated or cured serious diseases and health conditions. For example, one company’s website claims CBD “works like magic” to relieve “even the most agonizing pain” better than prescription opioid painkillers. The letters warn the companies that it is illegal to advertise that a product can prevent, treat, or cure human disease without competent and reliable scientific evidence to support such claims.

Earlier in March 2019, the FTC and FDA sent similar warning letters to three companies. According to those advertisements, the products can effectively treat diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, and “neuropsychiatric disorders.” Moving forward, expect both the FTC and FDA to continue using their enforcement authority to ensure that CBD-containing products are advertised truthfully.