Despite the rising popularity and widespread availability of CBD, concerns about its safety and long-term effects persist. With hemp now legalized and CBD gaining mainstream acceptance, the FDA faces mounting pressure to clarify its position on this compound, enabling manufacturers to create products that meet the growing consumer demand. A summer 2019 study involving mice indicated a potential link between CBD and liver damage, prompting critics to call for human studies, such as Validcare’s, since the mechanisms of CBD might differ significantly between mice and humans. The dosage administered to rodents in the study is far greater than what most people would typically consume.
Fortunately for those in the CBD industry, the findings of this study likely alleviated fears of potential heavy restrictions that could have arisen if the results had raised significant concerns. Nevertheless, numerous health-related questions about CBD remain unanswered, largely due to the ingredient’s relative novelty and the limited long-term research regarding side effects and interactions with medications. Consequently, the FDA has intensified its scrutiny of CBD products making health claims, which is crucial as consumers increasingly look to incorporate CBD into their daily routines. A study by High Yield Insights conducted in March 2019 revealed that 40% of respondents were open to trying CBD. The COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled this interest, as individuals sought ways to unwind, relieve stress, and improve sleep quality.
Despite the absence of FDA regulations surrounding CBD, companies continue to innovate and develop new products, including entirely new offerings and revamped existing ones. For instance, Ben & Jerry’s, owned by Unilever, was among the first to hint at the possibility of introducing CBD-infused products following the legalization of hemp cultivation in the 2018 Farm Bill. Shortly thereafter, Mondelez’s CEO announced the company’s exploration of CBD snack options. Smoothie maker Bolthouse Farms has also shown interest in launching a CBD-infused beverage line; however, progress has been slow due to regulatory uncertainties, according to the company’s vice president of marketing.
Beverage manufacturers appear to be at the forefront of bringing CBD products to market. Ocean Spray’s Lighthouse incubator has introduced a sparkling CBD water named CarryOn, while Constellation Brands’ Canopy Growth has rolled out its own sparkling CBD drink, Quatreau. Additionally, Truss CBD USA—a collaboration between Molson Coors Beverage Company and Canadian cannabis grower Hexo—has launched a sparkling CBD beverage called Veryvell in the U.S.
With more states legalizing cannabis and a new administration seemingly more supportive of the substance, momentum for CBD continues to build. Manufacturers have ample incentive to keep producing CBD products to meet increasing consumer demand. However, the FDA will play a crucial role in determining how many of these products will reach the market. In this context, the integration of ingredients like bariatric advantage chewable calcium into CBD formulations may also become a topic of interest, as consumers seek comprehensive health benefits from their supplements.