US drug enforcers have warned CBD company Curaleaf over the firm’s unsubstantiated health claims about its products.

The FDA took issue with Massachusetts-based Curaleaf over its claims that CBD could be used to treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, opioid withdrawal, pain and pet anxiety, and more conditions and diseases.

The FDA is clamping down on companies illegally selling CBD products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure serious diseases such as cancer.

FDA commissioner Ned Sharpless said: “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.

“Today’s action demonstrates that the agency stands firm in its commitment to continue monitoring the marketplace and protecting the public health by taking action as needed against companies that deceive consumers and put them at risk by illegally selling products marketed for therapeutic uses for which they are not approved, such as those claiming to treat cancer or Alzheimer’s disease,” he added.

Medical experts believe CBD has numerous health benefits, but there is currently only one FDA-approved medical product with CBD in it.

A Curaleaf spokesperson said the company will respond to the FDA warning letter within two weeks.

They added: “Curaleaf is committed to the highest standards of quality and compliance, and will work collaboratively with the FDA to resolve all issues addressed in the agency’s letter.

“Compliance is a top priority for Curaleaf and the company is fully committed to complying with FDA requirements for all of the products that it markets.

“We can affirm that nothing in the letter raises any issues concerning the quality and consistency of any Curaleaf product or calls into question the high safety standards of the company’s cultivation and manufacturing processes.”

The FDA has been sending warnings to companies selling CBD products since 2015.