IBIE - 2022 Special Edition & Show Preview - 87

CANNABIS/CBD TRENDS
" I think there's a pretty low likelihood that the
FDA is going to clear any of this up for CBD, and
so I think ironically, the ball is back in Congress'
court, " he said. " And because of the popularity of
THC and cannabis, ironically it seems like Congress
is more likely to legalize or at least decriminalize
them before they do anything to fix the current
CBD and delta-8 situation. "
Without FDA regulation or legislation from
wide variety of diseases or medical disorders, such
as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, nausea
and anxiety. "
Delta-8 is a cannabis compound similar to the
psychoactive component of marijuana, delta-9,
and has intoxicating effects the FDA said may be
dangerous to consumers. Delta-8 is made from
CBD, meaning the psychoactive drug can be sold
in states where marijuana is illegal.
Drew Hathaway, senior food scientist for Caliper
CBD, Commerce City, Colo., said he appreciates
the FDA's consistency in warning companies making
claims he agrees are over the top, including
that their products can cure cancer or coronavirus
(COVID-19). But he's unhappy with the agency's
overall lack of action and hardline stance against
other health claims.
" They've really just left the entire CBD market in a
murky, grey area intentionally, and I don't think that
was Congress' intention when they passed the farm
bill, " he said. " I think the challenge for me is that it's
very clear that cannabinoids, whether CBD or THC,
can help with some of these medical conditions. "
Ms. Gockley agreed, saying the FDA's refusal to
regulate is preventing further research into the potential
benefits of cannabis products.
" We will continue to exist in a paradox of sorts
where the FDA makes 'egregious' and 'over the
line' claims about the inefficacy of cannabinoids
without providing the framework for science to
prove otherwise, " she said.
When the Farm Bill passed, many in the CBD industry
were hopeful the FDA would soon allow for
its widespread use. Four years later, Mr. Hathaway
doesn't believe that day is coming anytime soon.
Congress, the situation can best be described as a
Wild West marketplace that poses potential health
risks to consumers. Mr. Hathaway said he's especially
concerned about the growing popularity of
delta-8. The compound doesn't occur naturally in
hemp and is a man-made chemical reaction, he
notes, and if not properly converted from CBD,
can contain high levels of solvents and chemicals
that are harmful to consumers. Twenty states have
restricted or banned its use, and Mr. Hathaway expects
that number to grow.
Because CBD and delta-8 aren't federally regulated,
it's critical bakers and snack manufacturers
entering the space vet their suppliers before
buying from them. Caliper CDB, for example, sells
flavored and unflavored CBD powders nationwide,
regularly testing them to ensure their efficacy.
" That's something we generally have gotten really
positive feedback on, " Mr. Hathaway said. " Having
test results, being transparent, having supply chain
mapped out. That's the key advice for sure. "
CBD and other cannabis products are also a
great opportunity for businesses with a wellestablished
e-commerce channel, as most people
buy these items online, he continued.
" On the flip side, if you are doing the vast majority
of your sales through traditional retailers,
such as grocery stores or convenience
chains, a lot of those, especially the
large ones, are not willing to let
ingestible CBD products on
their shelves, " he said.
While it's unlikely the
murky waters surrounding
CBD and delta-8 will
clear anytime soon, the
cannabis-infused food
and drink industry continues
to flourish. Bakers
who do their homework
on these products, vet their
suppliers and avoid making
troublesome claims can take
advantage of its growth.
*
INSIDE IBIE | 87
Twenty states
have banned
delta-8, a popular,
man-made THC
variant that can
be dangerous
if produced
improperly.
CBD sales
reached
$5.3 billion
in 2021 and
are expected
to hit
$26 billion
in 2026.
Brightfield Group
©Ryan - stock.adobe.com
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