This week, the Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to three companies that sell products that are made with cannabidiol, warning them 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. The FTC did not disclose the names of the companies that it contacted.
The FTC said that the companies advertised that their CBD-infused oils, tinctures, capsules, gummies, and creams treated or cured serious diseases or health conditions -- including pain, Alzheimer's disease, cigarette addition, arthritis, and many others.
In the letters, the FTC urges the companies to review their advertising claims, including consumer testimonials, to ensure that they are properly substantiated. The companies have fifteen days to get back to the FTC about the specific actions they are taking to address the FTC's concerns.
This isn't the first time that the FTC has reached out to advertisers about their CBD claims. In April, the FTC and the Food and Drug Administration issued similar warning letters.
While these companies may not have had proof that their products are good for your health, here's a CBD warning letter infused tip that is. The FTC doesn't issue these warning letters for its own health. They are intended to be real wake-up call to these companies, and to the industry at large, that if they don't clean up their act, enforcement action is coming.
"The gist of the warning letters is that the companies should review their product promises – including representations conveyed through testimonials – to ensure they’re backed up by competent and reliable scientific evidence" -- FTC Senior Attorney Lesley Fair