FDA Controlled Substances (CBD) Commentary
This month, the FDA issued an open request for commentary on a variety of substances including Cannabidiol (CBD). The summary requests commentary “concerning…medical usefulness…and impact of scheduling changes on availability for medical use of these substances”. The request is open for comment until September 13th, 2017. The FDA has also created a digital form you can use to submit your commentary.
The FDA may not be using this information directly – they have stated that they are gathering it to submit to the World Health Organization in determining international restrictions to apply to the substances in question. The good news is that the Controlled Substances Act makes the WHO responsible for suggesting when to schedule and deschedule compounds. Although our commentary may not have an immediate impact, it is a critical step toward the eventual descheduling of cannabidiol and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids.
The DEA’s current case against CBD seems to be losing more ground every day. Despite this, it is more important than ever to make your voice heard. The more people that speak out about the benefits (and lack of downside) of CBD, the better chance we have to win the scheduling battle and get affordable cannabinoids into the hands of those who need them most. This is the next major step in the scheduling debate, and everyone’s voice counts. Additionally, you can read our article on how CBD works on the body’s endocannabinoid system for a brief overview.
CBD – What You Should Speak About
To better prepare your commentary for the FDA, you can read the WHO Questionnaire prepared for the controlled substances review. Unfortunately, the WHO is not accepting public submissions of this form. However, by submitting information paralleling the form to the FDA, you can ensure that the right issues are discussed in review.
Have you submitted your commentary yet? Sound off in the comments and let us know!