The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hosted a hearing on cannabidiol (CBD) on May 31 to help it determine how to regulate the substance, reports the United Press International.
Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless has expressed doubts over the compound’s safety.
“There are real risks associated with [THC and CBD] and critical questions remain about the safety of their widespread use in foods and dietary supplements,” Sharpless was quoted as saying.
“While we have seen an explosion of interest in products containing CBD, there is still much that we don’t know. What if someone applies a topical CBD lotion, consumes a CBD beverage or candy and consumes some CBD oil? How much is too much?”
Industry representatives expressed concern about the nature of future regulation.
Christian Grantham, owner of Half Hill Farms, which produces and sells CBD oil in Kentucky, said that if the FDA decides to restrict sale of the compound it would really challenge his business.
“Our farm would not exist as it does today,” Grantham said. “I just have hopes about it that the FDA will see that just like herbs there is a benefit to keeping this in the hands of the people. This is a naturally occurring compound, after all.”