State consumer protection officials are cautioning people to be careful in the use of a variety of hemp-derived products containing Cannoabadiol (CBD) oil and extracts being sold in a variety of retail outlets in Alaska.
CBD is a derivative of the industrial hemp plant, and may also be derived from marijuana, resulting in oil which exceeds the legal limit of 0.3 percent, according to the Alaska Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit.
These products have not been tested for purity or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, and claims related to the benefits or effects of CBD oil and products have not been evaluated by any state or federal agency, including the Food and Drug Administration.
“Claiming that a product provides pain or anxiety relief or some other health benefit without side effects is a sure way to sell a lot of product,” said Assistant Attorney General Cindy Franklin. “Before putting anything in or on your body that claims it will help you, think carefully. Don’t assume that something is safe or will work just because it is trendy.
“Currently, these products are not an FDA approved food source and a large portion of these products may contain THC in unknown amounts.”
The state Department of Natural Resources is working to provide a regulatory framework that would provide for some of these safeguards as soon as possible. Consumers with questions about the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program may contact Rob Carter at the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Agriculture at 907-745-8127 or robert.carter@alaska.gov.
