How do you feel about the upcoming FDA regulations for the CBD and THC products? Good, or Bad, and Why?

There needs to be oversight otherwise we'll end up with something called CBD but has Fentinol in it, or anything else that does not have to be disclosed. Unfortunately we live in an era where caveat emptor exists and it's worse than ever. That said, I'm also afraid the regulations will grant Big Pharma the big bucks, as usual. Medications come from plants or are synthesized in the lab, can't we let the plants just be plants and enjoy their benefits?

The FDA should stay out of the CBD market. If they get involved,  we will find out that CBD will be by a prescription only and the cost will be unaffordable.  You as a consumer needs to investigate the CBD that you purchase.  Look for 3rd party independent quality control testing to insure you get what you want.  As always “buyer be ware”.

I am amused by the FDA's interest in CBDs. I wonder where the FDA is with the vitamin and supplement side of things. There are a multitude of supplements that can be related to systemic issues. That said, the CBD market is like the Alaska Gold Rush. The consumer must be educated on the products purity, its spectrum and how to use CBD and CBG. As a health care provider, and one who uses CBD and CBG, I can attest to their benefits and the improvement in patients lives and in the lives of the dogs, cats, and horses. There are many bad actors in this sector that need to be weeded out, pun intended.

I think it's bad as it will put the money in Big Pharmas pockets.

While too much regulation can be a bad thing, I think that some regulation is indeed needed in the industry. There are some players in the CBD industry who don't take care to "do it right". As many others have said on this thread, it is really important to monitor what we are putting in our bodies, and I think in the CBD industry sometimes it can't be left up to each individual company to self regulate correctly. With such little regulation in the industry, even some labels are being "faked" and CBD concentration, ingredients, and more are not being accurately represented. Anyone buying CBD products today should be sure there are Certificates of Analysis (COA) available, ingredients are clearly listed, and one should do some background research on a company. At our company we take careful measures to make CBD using clean and best known methods, and also even do testing in-house to ensure it is being done the right way -- not everyone does this though. There are some great organizations out there that promote the safe growth and processing of hemp, like the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and the CBD Industry Association (CBDIA); looking for companies that might be members of these groups, or similar groups, is important as well for a consumer. Regulation is coming, I think, whether the industry is ready for it or not!

The involvement of Big Pharma is a scary prospect, they will make the mom and pop small business go under, like other big corporations have done in the past to small businesses.  Yet, with so many vendors and growers, the need for regulations exists.  So what Federal Agency is equipped to oversee this rapidly growing market of plant-based CBD/Cannabis products?  The need for these plant-based products is to prevent the harm that many Big Pharma products have done to our society and will probably do more if the are allowed to grow, harvest, and sell these plant-based cures.   

We need standards.  Just look at vaping.  You need to know what you are putting in and on your body.  I read labels on just about everything.  And knowing where your products come from is also very important.  Unfortunately, there are always bad actors where there is money to be made.  You must protect yourself.

The FDA approves of fluoride in toothpaste enough said .

Really? the FDA? The DEA classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, which includes CBD. This prevents any other letter agency from researching it. Until the DEA changes the classification it is up to the individual states to regulate it, and there cannot be any interstate commerce. I have a medical marijuana card in a state that recently approved recreational use. I am impressed with the testing and certifying of the products.  I have confidence that the certified vape products are safe, unlike the black market products and misuse of those products that are in the news. The FDA? Really? Leave it up to the states, it's safer.

I will agree that putting anymore money in the hands of the Legislators is a bad thing. As for big Pharma putting the mom & pop shops out of business I disagree. Fear and the lack of going on the offensive by the mom & pop shops is what puts them out of business. We have had clients that were shaking in their boots when Home Depot was coming to town. A plan was put in place, their strong point were used in marketing along with other tactics and with a year or so after Home Depot opened one of these clients had opened a second location and business was booming. The other increased business and maintained one location. It is easier to admit defeat and blame the big box stores than it is to stand your ground and win. It depends on what you want.