Tom Branna, Editorial Director05.19.21
In a move that would ban the addition of hemp-derived CBD in cosmetics, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has quietly amended an agency FAQ document. The CDPH notes that the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers CBD an unapproved additive, and CBD in dietary supplements and pet food are also unapproved.
California’s Sherman Food and Drug Law provides that any food (which includes beverages and pet food) is adulterated if it is, bears, or contains any food additive that is unapproved, and that a cosmetic (which includes lotion and salves) is adulterated if it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance that may render it injurious to users under the conditions of use prescribed in the labeling or advertisement of the cosmetic, or under conditions of use as are customary or usual.
CBD-derived from hemp or any other source is currently not allowed in any of the items regulated by the Food and Drug Branch of the CDPH, including foods, drugs and cosmetics. The CDPH notes that FDA is in the process of determining whether commodities such as food, cosmetics and dietary supplements may safely contain CBD. At this time, the FDA has not approved the use of CBD in any of these products.