While the research on Cannabidiol and its benefits are still ongoing, there’s no doubt that many of them have yielded results in favor of its benefits. Sure, there is more research to be done, but completely disclaiming the current findings is something that not many would prefer to do. However, Scott Gottlieb, the Former Commissioner of FDA, expressed his skepticism on these ‘findings’ and the potential benefits it comes with, during a news interview with CNBC

CBD Benefit Claims are “Pretty Hokey”

Scott Gottlieb, during his recent interview with CNBC news, claims that supporters of CBD are making claims about CBD’s benefits that are yet to be confirmed by research. Although he didn’t completely discount the proven results of experimentations, he did, however, claim that CBD’s ‘calming effects’ are yet to be proven.

He expressed this notion in a statement where he claimed that the idea of being able to use CBD in dog food to providing ‘calming effects’ for the canine is “pretty hokey”. Furthermore, he says that “there’s no science to that” claim so to speak. As evidenced by the response the video got on Youtube and the CNBC News Website, the supporters of the CBD Bandwagon are enraged by his baseless claims, since research did support and prove the theories of CBD’s calming effects.

Why is this a concern?

According to Scott Gottlieb, these “unproven” claims are a cause for concern since these are giving different companies the opportunity to add CBD in just about anything; ranging from adding them in pet treats to coffee and beverages. He insinuated that not only these claims are misleading, but are also encouraging people to buy more products through false advertisements.

The former FDA commissioner’s claims have become a cause for concern for the supporters of CBD as well. Sure, some are happy, behind the scenes, since Gottlieb is the “former” commissioner, hence, can’t do much harm anymore; but his claims can and will put doubts in the minds of CBD users who are benefitting from its use.

What We Know About CBD?

Not to totally disregard Mr. Gottlieb’s claims, his statements hold true to some extent. It’s true that he might have been wrong about some already established facts, but it’s also true that the supporters of CBD are believing way more than they should. Taking a look at the contemporary studies, we can conclude without a doubt, that CBD’s effects on anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and pain are proven through science.

The sketchy sections about its benefits are usually pertaining to the magnitude of these effects and whether or not they are sufficient by themselves to act as a medication for the aforementioned problems. Furthermore, the benefits of CBD in Arthritis treatment, relieving menstrual cramps and its benefit on a person’s skin are yet to be proven. Regardless, that doesn’t stop capitalists exploiting these rumors and releasing body creams and lotions in the market to prey on the believers, is what the commissioner is really trying to say.

Sure, he has a point. But just like the supporters, he is opposing, he too, has made some unverified claims during the interview that most people cannot agree upon. Hopefully, future research will clean up more of the confusions among its supporters and shine some light on the matter, laying the debates to rest once and for all.

Hemp farming has been legalized; CBD market projections are at an all-time high; Support for the legalization of the production of Cannabis is still growing strong; Medical research is being funded by major corporations; What a great time to be alive – for the businesses looking to ride the CBD bandwagon. The hype is growing and everyone is looking to get in on the action. Today’s candidate: the AATAC.

What is AATAC?

AATAC stands for the Asian American Trade Association Council. It’s one of the largest trade associations of different gas stations and independent convenience stores in the US. Their member’s number around 50,000, representing around 90,000 branches at different locations all over the United States. Currently, they are reaching about 60% of the market in the country.

Most of their stores are branded with popular names such as Chevron, ARCO, Sunoco, BP, ARCO, Shell and 76. However, these are independently owned and operated while being members of the AATAC. One particular brand among the AATAC’s members, Health Harvest, has announced its decisions to include CBD in their inventories this summer, reaching around ten thousand locations. They expect to see the distribution to be further spread across thirty thousand locations by the end of the year.

CBD as an Icon

Obviously, this sudden growth spurt in CBD’s popularity hasn’t been overnight. Decisions of popular sports authorities regarding this substance, albeit misleading, are playing a major role in increasing the public awareness on this substance. More and more research is proving the benefits of CBD as a painkiller as opposed to the available addictive medications in the market. Furthermore, celebrities are promoting its benefits in popular media, shining a spotlight on this substance and increasing its popularity.

Unsurprisingly, such movements did not go unnoticed by the economists and business and market analysts. With its rising popularity, support and awareness, experts are expecting a huge increase in the market demand and value of CBD worldwide, prompting many countries to reconsider their stance of the legalization of its production.

CBD Oil on Different Stores

Health Harvest and its other AATAC brothers aren’t the first ones to get on the CBD bandwagon though. Many popular brands such as Walgreens and Vitamin Shoppe are including CBD on their shelves. Of course, Health Harvest’s decision to do the same is news, because unlike Walgreens and Vitamin Shoppe, they do not hold a pharmaceuticals section nor are recognized as a retailer of such products. Hence, this decision of theirs is not only increasing CBD oil’s accessibility but also normalizing this product as an OTC medication than something to be found at a pharmacy.

How can we not talk about the food and beverage industry, while we are talking about different brands adopting this product when they are one of the first ones to get on the CBD bandwagon. For a while now, different cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants have been busy experimenting with CBD-infused recipes; with great success nonetheless. While the nature of these businesses is far different from the gas stations’, they are all united with under one banner: Cannabidiol.

Having the long-awaited Public Hearing by FDA being conducted last Friday, there still are no solid conclusions that had been reached. What seemed to be a ray of hope for the Food and Beverage producers, is yet to see the light of the day. The bad news: as of now, FDA’s old rules are still in place and their stance on using CBD in food and beverages are still unchanged. The good news, however, is that they still haven’t just chucked the notions of approving the use of CBD in food products, out of the window. After the hearing, the FDA still hasn’t reached a conclusion yet. That’s a good thing, right?

Ben and Jerry’s Certainly Seems to Think So

Like many other supporters of CBD use, Ben and Jerry still choose to take the inactions of FDA back on 31st May to be a good sign.  Like many others, they still believe that winds of change are blowing. With that hope in the horizon, they are considering releasing their new line of Ice Cream, infused with CBD. How much good would it do to enhancing the flavors are still in question, but it’s definitely going to add a little more “oomph” to them, that’s for certain.

However, Ben & Jerry’s had made it abundantly clear that this decision of theirs isn’t going to see fruition until and unless the FDA legalizes the use of CBD in food products. As such, they, like many other supported of CBD, are still waiting for the FDA’s decision on adding CBD into food and drinks.

Recent Survey and Trends

According to The National Restaurant Association and The American Culinary Federation, 75% of the chefs surveyed, believe that CBD added food is the hot new trend in culinary arts. The survey was conducted on 650 professional chefs all across the US, asking them about what they believed to be the best food cooking concepts for restaurants. 3 out of each 4 chefs seem to believe that it’s CBD that’s the hot trend this year.

According to the CEO of Ben and Jerrys, Matthey Mcarthy, they are listening to these demands of the customers and willing to give them what they desire through this new line of ice cream. They only await the green signal from the FDA. However, he also mentions that just following trends is not the only thing they are interested in. They believe that they need a sustainable source of CBD for their products, grown and shipped, right from their home state of Vermont. They claim that adhering to their values when it comes to sourcing, is an important part of their innovative processes when they are looking to create innovative ice cream flavors.

Conclusion

Obviously, with the prominent brands adding CBD into their food products, everyone will want to get on this trend train as well. But the FDA’s regulations are severely limiting this practice. Whether or not we can hope to see the legalizations anytime soon or not still remains to be seen. For now, just like all the other supporters of its use, we can only hope that FDA comes up with their decisions soon, and may it be in our favor.