With no official, FDA-approved word that weed can cure, treat or prevent diseases, four companies are under fire from the agency for implying that cannabis-infused products will cure cancer. This cannabis can’t.
The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on marijuana supplements that claim to cure cancer. Four companies were the center of an FDA news release on Wednesday which stated that the companies were “illegally selling products online that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer without evidence to support these outcomes.”
The companies, Greenroads Health, Natural Alchemist, That’s Natural! Marketing and Consulting, and Stanley Brothers Social Enterprises LLC, claimed their products with cannabidiol — a component of the marijuana plant with less tetrahydrocannabinol that isn’t approved for medical use by the FDA — prevented tumor growth, and would even treat Alzheimer’s, Leukemia, depression and other diseases.
The products came in all shapes and forms, from teas and creams to syrups and drops. The sites selling the products featured testimonials of happy and “cured” customers, which the FDA noted in individual letters posted on the agency’s website calling out the companies.
The FDA said in their release that these products were not reviewed or approved by the agency. They haven’t evaluated whether they work, the proper dosages, how they interact with other drugs or determined their side effects.
“We have an obligation to provide caregivers and patients with the confidence that drugs making cancer treatment claims have been carefully evaluated for safety, efficacy, and quality, and are monitored by the FDA once they’re on the market,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb in the release.
The FDA constantly warns against fraudulent products that claim to be natural dietary supplements. It is always wise to exercise caution when ordering these kinds of products.
A spokseperson for a Stanley Brothers company told the New York Times they would cooperate with the FDA’s regulations to fix their testimonials. Tisha Casida, the chief executive of That’s Natural! said they would also cooperate with the FDA but noted to the Times that people shouldn’t have to rely only on FDA-approved drugs to “experience health and wellness from naturally derived cannabinoids.” Natural Alchemist did not wish to comment to the News at this time, but their website's FAQ says the product must be used as a food supplement per the FDA. The website the FDA listed for Greenroads Health was listed as "under maintenance."
If the companies refuse to correct these violations, the FDA will proceed with legal action which could end in product seizure and injunction.
