Cannabis, popularly known as marijuana, is commonly used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes to treat depression and anxiety. Although the effects of the drug are not yet well understood, no major side effects have been observed yet. However, pharma companies have taken it to another level by using it as an ingredient in daily items such as bathing salts, makeup, protein powders, etc.

Using It As Consumption Items

Most studies on cannabis so far have been on animals and their effects on humans have not yet been fully understood. According to Ziva Cooper, research director of the Cannabis Research Initiative at the University of California, CBD has proved to be effective in treating various mental issues such as anxiety, depression, neuroinflammation, and substance-use disorder. Much more peer-reviewed research is required to fully understand it’s pros and cons for humans. So, using it as consumption items without understanding it can prove to be harmful to the safety and health of its consumers.

Cannabis is a plant of the Cannabaceae family and contains more than eighty biologically active chemical compounds. The most commonly known compounds are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC refers to be the psychoactive component which can cause a high, CBD is said to be non-intoxicating and is not associated with the marijuana high.

CBD Products And The FDA

So far, the United States Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has approved one cannabis-derived and three cannabis-related drug products. These approved products are only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The FDA has approved Epidiolex, which contains a purified form of the drug substance CBD for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients that are 2 years and older. That means the FDA has concluded that this particular drug product is safe and effective for its intended use.

The agency also has approved Marinol and Syndros for therapeutic uses in the United States. Including use for the treatment of anorexia associated with weight loss in AIDS patients.

The introduction of the Farm Bill in 2018 brought some hope to advocates of Cannabis. It legalized the production and marketing of hemp, which contains less than 0.3 percent of THC on a dry weight basis. The changes meant that cannabis plants and derivatives that contain no more than 0.3 percent of THC will no longer be a controlled substance under federal law.

However, the regulation of CBD still falls under the purview of the FDA. Thus, any product produced or marketed using CBD as an ingredient must seek FDA approval. The exceptions are beauty and skin care which do not fall under the jurisdiction of FDA laws and therefore do not require FDA Approval.

FDA has said it is aware of the public interest in Cannabis but wants to avoid any negative impact on the health of its citizens. Thus, it will make efforts to lawfully market CBD containing products. A public hearing has also been planned with an internal working group to look into the issue.

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