The summer of 2023 has been an active period for executive, legislative, and enforcement activities in the cannabis and cannabidiol sector. Particularly noteworthy has been the action from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources (HHS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The HHS has made strides towards rescheduling cannabis as a Schedule III drug. This significant move could have far-reaching implications across sectors, extending to organizations that incorporate cannabis and cannabidiol in their products or operations. A rescheduling would redefine the legalities of cannabis usage and open up new avenues for research into its medicinal values.
Meanwhile, the FDA continued its practice of issuing enforcement letters. The recipients of these letters were predominantly companies that have produced copycat food items containing cannabis or cannabidiol. This signaled a continued effort by the FDA to monitor and regulate the introduction of cannabis-infused foods into the market. Such enforcement action falls in line with its mandate to ensure the safety and efficacy of food products available to the public.
Working in conjunction with the FDA, the FTC has displayed a similar commitment to overseeing the market. Their work has been pivotal in holding accountable those who misrepresent their products as well as maintaining the integrity of the market.
This summer’s developments underscore the dynamic landscape of cannabis and cannabidiol legislation and regulation. For further details on these developments, refer to the original article by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati on JD Supra.