FDA casts shadow on hemp win, calling CBD products illegal

SEATTLE — The hemp industry still has work ahead to win legal status for hemp-derived cannabidiol, or CBD oil.

The head of the Food and Drug Administration says adding CBD to food or dietary supplements is still illegal.

President Donald Trump signed a farm bill Thursday designating hemp as an agricultural crop.

The same day, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb issued a statement saying CBD is a drug ingredient and therefore illegal to add to food or supplements without approval from his agency.

Courtney Moran, a lobbyist for Oregon hemp farmers, says she plans to work with U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, to nudge the FDA toward greater acceptance of CBD.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp, a type of cannabis plant.

More news from KIRO 7

• Mother arrested in fatal shooting of 14-year-old daughter
• Man dies of coronary heart disease hours after wife says he was turned away from hospital
• Teen who sang during brain surgery at Seattle Children's recovering
• Body recovered of missing 2-year-old last seen playing near Skagit River
• Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Associated Press