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Three companies that tout their cannabis-derived products as miracle treatments for serious illnesses have gotten letters from the FTC warning that they’re at risk for legal action unless they have sound scientific evidence to back up their claims. The companies sell oils, capsules, edible gummies, and creams that contain cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant.

One company claims that CBD works like “magic” to relieve even the most agonizing pain. The company claims CBD has been clinically proven to treat diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The second company’s website says CBD products are proven to treat twenty health conditions, including autism, anorexia, cancer, and AIDS. The third company’s site promotes CBD edible gummies as highly effective at treating the root cause of most major degenerative diseases. It also claims its CBD cream relieves pain and that its CBD oil may effectively treat depression, PTSD, epilepsy, and other diseases.

This week, the FTC sent letters that urge the companies to review all claims — including consumer testimonials — made for their products, to ensure they’re backed by competent and reliable scientific evidence. The letters tell the companies to notify the FTC within 15 days of the specific actions they have taken to address the agency’s concerns.

Talk with your doctor before you try a healthcare product you find online. Find out about the product’s risks, side effects, and possible interactions with any medications you’re taking

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Rubino
September 10, 2019
Thanks FTC.we do not need the wilderness of the world to treat medical conditions .We need Licensed learned credentialed personal to treat and take care of our loved ones.
JustConcerned
September 10, 2019
It would be useful to know the names of the 3 companies.
Stephanie
September 10, 2019
What companies? This would be more helpful if the companies' names were not protected.
trulyyours
September 10, 2019

In reply to by Stephanie

I agree with Stephanie. I'd appreciate Ms. Small letting us all know what three companies made serius health claims about CBD oil.
FTC Staff
September 13, 2019

In reply to by Stephanie

The warning letters do not represent the FTC’s judgment about the quality of particular CBD brands. It's best to be highly skeptical about the extreme health claims that some CBD sellers are making about their products. If a company is marketing CBD for the treatment or prevention of serious diseases or disorders, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia, chances are there is little or no scientific support to back up those claims. 

kimi
September 10, 2019
So, what companies?
maria
September 10, 2019
if it so serious why did you not name the companies!!don't the consumers need to know!
Gandalf
September 10, 2019
Why not identify the companies to whom you sent notices?
TD in CT
September 10, 2019
and no mention of the company names?! ~ Bummer.
FTC Staff
September 13, 2019

In reply to by TD in CT

The warning letters do not represent the FTC’s judgment about the quality of particular CBD brands. It's best to be highly skeptical about the extreme health claims that some CBD sellers are making about their products. If a company is marketing CBD for the treatment or prevention of serious diseases or disorders, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia, chances are there is little or no scientific support to back up those claims. 

Roe
September 10, 2019
Would have been nice to know the names of the companies.
cathp
September 10, 2019
Company names would be appreciated. Or, does this include all CBD companies?
FTC Staff
September 13, 2019

In reply to by cathp

It's best to be highly skeptical about the extreme health claims that some CBD sellers are making about their products. If a company is marketing CBD for the treatment or prevention of serious diseases or disorders, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia, chances are there is little or no scientific support to back up those claims. 

C Peter G
September 10, 2019
I do not think that knowing the names of the companies would make any difference. The point is not to take ANY claims for cannabis-derived products seriously until there is medical proof that the claims are accurate.
Leo
September 10, 2019
Other thing that worries me (I have used the salve to help to try to control sciatic nerve pain) is that there is no information about dosage or purity of the product. I have purchased several jars of the CBD salve but each one's texture has been a little different. Hard to imagine that the "dose" is the same, jar to jar.
ConcernedCitiz…
September 10, 2019
What are the names of the companies? How does this publication help if it doesn't help us stay away from charlatans?
FTC Staff
September 13, 2019

In reply to by ConcernedCitiz…

It's best to be highly skeptical about the extreme health claims that some CBD sellers are making about their products. If a company is marketing CBD for the treatment or prevention of serious diseases or disorders, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia, chances are there is little or no scientific support to back up those claims. 

marychr61
September 16, 2019
I ordered Gummy ones, ad I have MS and have some days severe pain, Plus the company that is charging me, I never even hit Place order. Yes, my fault I put in my debit card number. The day after I saw two charges for items I didn't order, I was billed 9.90, not 4,95 for the gummies, and 7.96 for a pain rub, which i never even looked into.
jan
September 10, 2019
What are the names of these companies?
Retired
September 10, 2019
Please publish the name of the three companies. I have a loved one who is taking the gummies to relieve the pain of a degenerative disease.
FTC Staff
September 13, 2019

In reply to by Retired

It's best to be highly skeptical about the extreme health claims that some CBD sellers are making about their products. If a company is marketing CBD for the treatment or prevention of serious diseases or disorders, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia, chances are there is little or no scientific support to back up those claims. 

genadm
February 19, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Is there any FTC requirements for the manufacturing of CBD products? If yes would you guide me to the website?
catlady
September 10, 2019
The company names would be very helpful!
Jo
September 10, 2019
Since many people are already purchasing and using these products based on the company claims we need to know the name of those 3 companies.
HerbsWork
September 12, 2019
I just attempted to post my thoughts on this topic. It said a 'captcha'error was detected. This is me so please post my comments or are you biased?
1990
September 11, 2019
I think it would be helpful to know these company names, since the products are out there in the stores and some of us have already purchase them.
Margo
September 11, 2019
I believe it does make a difference to know what 3 companies they are. People need to know. Just making a general statement is not helpful at all.
FTC Staff
September 13, 2019

In reply to by Margo

The warning letters do not represent the FTC’s judgment about the quality of particular CBD brands. It's best to be highly skeptical about the extreme health claims that some CBD sellers are making about their products. If a company is marketing CBD for the treatment or prevention of serious diseases or disorders, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia, chances are there is little or no scientific support to back up those claims. 

donnaB
September 13, 2019
I've gotten CBD from certain companies stating it would cure my illnesses. The advertisements have celebrities pictured statements that said they developed CBD strains to combate their illnesses. I've received months of products when (and charged) when I only wanted on a trial basis.
Devil Dev
September 20, 2019
Nice information.
mysuperflower
December 19, 2019
if it is so serious you have to mention the company name.
JBM Don't use …
January 07, 2020
It is annoying when every "staff" reply to readers' comments is the same canned response. Why are we paying the salaries of FTC people to tell us to be skeptical and nothing more? If the FTC has done any research at all we are entitiled to know what their conclusions are.