FDA issues warning over marijuana products claiming cancer cure

FDA warned 4 companies, which are claiming that their products containing cannabidiol (CBD), can treat or cure cancer.

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FDA warned Greenroads Health, Natural Alchemist, That’s Natural! Marketing and Consulting, and Stanley Brothers Social Enterprises LLC, over unsubstantiated claims on more than 25 different products. The marketers said the products can prevent, reverse or cure cancer, kill cancer cells and tumors; and can treat Alzheimer’s and other serious diseases.

Related: FDA warns about deaths in cancer drug trials

“Substances that contain components of marijuana will be treated like any other products that make unproven claims to shrink cancer tumors. We don’t let companies market products that deliberately prey on sick people with baseless claims that their substance can shrink or cure cancer and we’re not going to look the other way on enforcing these principles when it comes to marijuana-containing products,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, in a statement from FDA. “There are a growing number of effective therapies for many cancers. When people are allowed to illegally market agents that deliver no established benefit, they may steer patients away from products that have proven, anti-tumor effects that could extend lives.”

Unlike drugs approved by the FDA, manufacture of the supplements in question has not been subject to FDA review as part of the drug approval process. In addition, “there has been no FDA evaluation of whether they work, what the proper dosage is, how they could interact with other drugs, or whether they have dangerous side effects or other safety concerns,” FDA said in the statement. 

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