Joining the board are former FDA deputy commissioner Michael Taylor; former DEA administrator Karen Tandy; former Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett; former commissioner of the Boston Police Department Edward Davis; and executive director of the Digital Citizens Alliance Tom Galvin.
“Each of the advisory board members brings a unique perspective that will be crucial in helping inform and guide the CPG industry’s advocacy approach on this rapidly evolving issue,” said Consumer Brands Association (CBA) president and CEO Geoff Freeman.
The CBA is calling for increased funding for scientific research into CBD and additional resources for the FDA’s enforcement and regulation of CBD in consumer products.
“States really need the federal government to step up and take the lead on CBD," said Cornett. "When it comes to public safety and consumer confidence, we need higher standards and more robust regulations.”
The legal status of CBD
While the FDA has consistently stated that it does not consider CBD to be a lawful dietary ingredient as it was first investigated as a drug, its enforcement activity has thus far been focused on companies making egregious claims, prompting many players to wade into the market at their own risk.
Some states, meanwhile, have cracked down on firms selling hemp-derived CBD, and most larger companies are waiting for clarity from the FDA before introducing products into interstate commerce.
However, several states have explicitly authorized the general sale of hemp-derived CBD products.
In a November 25 statement the FDA said it would provide an update on the regulatory path forward "in the coming weeks.”
