FDA warns company against making 'unsubstantiated claims' about CBD

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday it issued a warning to Curaleaf Inc. for making "unsubstantiated" claims about the health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD).

The warning letter highlights several products sold online by the Massachusetts-based marijuana company as "unapproved new drugs."

The FDA also said the promises of some products, like helping treat cancer, could lead people to delay medical care for serious conditions.

"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," acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless said in a statement.

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. Consumers should beware of purchasing or using any such products."

CBD is the non-psychoactive component of marijuana. It has been legal at the federal level since the passage of the farm bill in December, but only when it is extracted from hemp.

The substance is widely marketed in oils, lotions and foods.

Curaleaf said in a statement that it is committed to working with the FDA to achieve compliance.