A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

May 12, 2021

FAKE CBD SELERS

Courtesy scambusters.org

CBD, – full name cannabidiol – is the non-psychoactive element of marijuana and legal extract of hemp. It is being hailed by scammers as the wonder drug of the 21st century.

The US Food and Drug Administration has warned CBD sellers about making false or unproven treatment claims, but the scams continue. Outrageous claims about the treatment and cure potential of CBD could be putting people’s health at risk.

There’s either limited or no evidence of its effectiveness for an alleged wide range of disorders including insomnia and pain relief. Some sellers also outrageously claim it can be used in the treatment of cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis.

Legal use

CBD, though legal in some forms throughout the US, is not approved for treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), except for the seizure control drug Epidiolex.

The drug is usually sold as either a CBD tincture or edible product. In other cases, it may be mixed with other chemicals or herbs. That may be legal, but it’s the false claims some sellers are making that put them on the wrong side of the law.

Using CBD as an intended alternative remedy could mean that a patient is not taking the medication they should be, or it could complicate or defeat the effectiveness of prescribed medication.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stepped in with a crackdown in a campaign it has labeled “CBDeceit.” Initially, the Commission has targeted six firms it accuses of using deceptive marketing tactics.

STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

If you’re considering taking CBD or a product containing it, use the following steps to guard against a scam:

*Be skeptical of any claims that a CBD-based product is scientifically proven to cure or treat your symptoms.

*Always talk to your doctor or health specialist about any alternative remedies you are considering using.

*Similarly, don’t stop taking any existing meds without checking with your health professional.

*Don’t fall for ads that claim their product is “guaranteed” to treat your condition or illness. There are no such guarantees, even in the world of most legitimate drugs, so you can safely ignore them.

As early as 2019, the Center for Disease Control said it had specific safety concerns about CBD including possible liver damage, interactions with other drugs, drowsiness, diarrhea, and mood changes. For that reason, it’s important that consumers consult a health care professional about treatment options scientifically proven to be effective.”

ATTRIBUTON: scambusters.org