As Cannabidiol Market and Popularity Grow, Boards of Pharmacy and Pharmacists Should Follow the Science

In an article for The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) Innovations publication, government and regulatory affairs partner Libby Baney and Faegre Drinker Consulting director Ilse Peterson and advisor Nisha Quasba discuss the cannabidiol-based (CBD) product market and what pharmacists and boards of pharmacy need to know regarding regulations.

First, the authors provide a brief history of CBD regulation. Next, they describe the underregulated CBD market, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) stance and public health concerns. In particular, the authors detail the patchwork of state laws and the role of state boards of pharmacy. They also explain current Congressional interest and action.

In conclusion, the authors state that the issue of CBD regulation may soon become a part of the larger marijuana legalization debate. They emphasize that with the right policy incentives, the science of CBD — and cannabinoids more generally — will catch up with consumer demand and patient need, enabling a safe, regulated market of CBD-containing supplements and prescription drugs.