FDA kicks off review of CBD with 140 people scheduled to testify at first public hearing Friday

From CNBC: 

• The FDA is taking its first big step toward deciding whether companies can add CBD to food, beverages and dietary supplements.
• CBD, a nonintoxicating cannabis compound, cannot be added under FDA’s current rules.
• FDA wants feedback on how it might regulate CBD and data on how safe and effective the cannabis compound is.

The Food and Drug Administration will hear from CBD manufacturers, researchers, farmers, retailers and more on Friday as the agency holds its first public hearing looking at the sale of what’s being touted as a magical elixir that can treat everything from inflammation to epilepsy.

Congress in December legalized CBD, or cannabidiol, derived from hemp. The nonintoxicating cannabis compound is being added to just about everything, including makeup, tea, pet treats and soft drinks — even though the FDA has expressly prohibited companies from adding it to food, beverages and dietary supplements.

The industry is booming and has the potential to become a $22 billion business by 2022, according to cannabis-focused research firm Brightfield Group. Companies are pressuring the agency to change its rules to allow them to legally add CBD to food and beverages.

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