“It’s the Wild West!” How often have you heard health claims about products containing CBD? But here’s the thing: This isn’t the Wild West. In fact, CBD product health-related claims must adhere to the same established scientific substantiation requirements that the Federal Trade Commission has applied to any advertised health claim for decades. That’s the message of Operation CBDeceit, a law enforcement sweep challenging allegedly unsubstantiated claims that CBD products can treat diseases and serious medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and more.
In Action CBDeceit, the FTC announced settlements with six companies that marketed gummies, lozenges, oils, balms and other products containing cannabidiol (CBD) to prevent or treat serious diseases and health conditions .
BIONATrol HEALTH LIMITED. According to the complaint, Utah-based Bionatrol Health, Isle Revive, Marcelo Torre and Anthony McCabe falsely claimed that Bionatrol full-spectrum CBD oil was “medically proven” to treat high blood pressure, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease and other conditions. Respondents also said their products could replace the need for prescription painkillers. Additionally, the FTC alleges that when consumers ordered a bottle, the respondents sold more than they requested and illegally charged credit cards without authorization.
CBD Pharmaceutical Company The FTC alleges that California-based CBD Meds, G2 Hemp and Lawrence Moses deceptively marketed their CBD oil as “a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia.” disease”. They also promote it as a treatment for multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, diabetes, schizophrenia and many other conditions. What’s more, the FTC alleges that the respondents falsely advertised a “laboratory study” conducted by the “U.S. federal government” that showed “CBD may make chemotherapy more effective and increase the number of cancer cells without harming normal cells.” die”.
EPIC HOUSE LIMITED. Utah-based Epichouse (consumers may know them as First Class Herbalist) and John Le sell CBD-based oils, coffees, creams and gummies that the FTC says make deceptive promises that they will Prevents – among other things – age-related cognitive decline, cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and migraines. Respondents also said their products were safe for all users and more effective at relieving pain than prescription drugs. They falsely claimed that scientific research supported many of their prevention, treatment and cure claims, the lawsuit states.
HempMeCBD. “[I]Recent research shows that using CBD can reduce problem behaviors in children with autism, with an 80% success rate, according to Israeli research. ” This is just one of the high-profile, allegedly false claims Boca Raton interviewees HempmeCBD, EasyButter and Michael Solomon made about their CBD shea butter, gummies, lozenges, vape pens or oils The FTC alleges that the respondents also made misleading claims about treatments for AIDS, autism, bipolar disorder, cancer, depression, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder and other serious conditions.
Coral Reef Industry. The FTC filed suit against California companies Reef Industries, Inc., Cannatera, Inc., and AndHemp, Ltd., and three principals (Andrew M. Bouchie, John R. Cavanaugh, and Shaun Paquette), alleging that they made false or misleading statements CBD gummies, gel caps, sprays, lotions, vape oils and other products. Respondents said CBD products could be effective in preventing or treating Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, heart disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, stroke and other serious illnesses. For example, according to respondent advertising, “CBD hemp oil has a wide range of potential health benefits and uses, including . . . fighting cancer, . . . fighting depression, [and] Prevent inflammatory arthritis. . . . ” and “If you or a loved one has diabetes, try using CBD oil to treat it. Not only is it safer than the most common diabetes medications, it’s also more effective.” Additionally, the complaint alleges that respondents falsely claimed that studies Or scientific research backs up many of their advertising claims.
STEVE DISTRIBUTIONS LIMITED. Colorado-based Steves Distributing, LLC and its CEO, Steven Taylor Schultheis, advertise online and on social media under the name Steve’s Goods, selling gummies, capsules, suppositories, balms, coffee and other products containing CBD and CBG (cannabigerol) ) (a related cannabinoid derivative) products derived from cannabis. The FTC said the respondents made deceptive claims that their products were effective alternatives to prescription drugs and effective in treating multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and glioblastoma, an aggressive form of glioblastoma. brain cancer. The complaint also alleges that respondents falsely represented that many of their claims were supported by research or scientific research.
The proposed order requires respondents to conduct methodologically sound human clinical testing before making various disease-related claims in the future. They also require strong and reliable scientific evidence to support other health-related statements. Five orders include financial remedies. Once the proposed settlement appears in the Federal Register, you will have 30 days to submit public comments.
The big news about Operation CBDeceit is that this sweep shouldn’t be big news to members of the CBD industry. To date, the FTC has sent multiple letters to companies warning them not to make questionable disease-related statements about CBD products and has taken enforcement actions against other companies. The message to marketers is consistent: The same substantiation principles that the FTC has applied to health claims for nearly 50 years apply to similar claims for CBD products. Companies that explicitly or implicitly state that the products they sell can prevent, treat or cure serious diseases will be held to the highest standards of substantiation, and marketers can expect careful scrutiny of these promises.
That’s why believing in the myth of CBD’s Wild West could lead advertisers in the wrong direction.
