KAILUA-KONA The Hawaii Department of Health issued a statement Wednesday reiterating that cannabidiol has never been permitted for sale in any form in the state except for people who have medical marijuana cards and can get it at licensed dispensaries.
KAILUA-KONA — The Hawaii Department of Health issued a statement Wednesday reiterating that cannabidiol has never been permitted for sale in any form in the state except for people who have medical marijuana cards and can get it at licensed dispensaries.
The department said that cannabis-derived products including products containing CBD sold without a prescription have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are not considered safe for use, West Hawaii Today reported on Thursday.
FDA rules render interstate sale and distribution of cannabis-derived products illegal. The FDA is actively working on their policies and guidance to states on regulatory actions for these products, and warning letters have been sent to companies that have targeted vulnerable populations with false advertising, the state Department of Health said.
Following the FDA, the Hawaii Department of Health is notifying businesses in Hawaii of the illegal status of these products and providing a warning that regulatory actions and penalties may follow for those who knowingly manufacture, distribute or sell such products in the state, the release said.
“The Department of Health intends to regulate all cannabis-derived products in a manner consistent with the approach of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,” said Hawaii Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson.
He added: “The FDA and all states are struggling with developing regulatory requirements for this fast-emerging industry. As we work on our procedures and await national guidance, the department will monitor and investigate reports of any adverse health effects related to CBD products in Hawaii and pull products as necessary.”
CBD will still be available for people with medical marijuana cards through licensed dispensaries across the state.
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Information from: West Hawaii Today, http://www.westhawaiitoday.com
