The trade group representing Britain’s high street pharmacies is calling for “clear, authoritative guidance” on CBD products.
CBD-containing products have become an increasingly valuable category for pharmacy retailers, but there is concern that some products on the market fail to meet standards expected in the sector
In a recent broadcast interview, Jasmine Shah from the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said it was getting difficult for “a growing number of pharmacists” selling CBD products because current guidance was “difficult to interpret”.
This week the NPA elaborated on its position in a fresh statement. The group said: “In the case of CBD products, pharmacists should take account of current Home Office guidance, although it must be said the current guidance is difficult to interpret.
“Our advice to pharmacists considering whether to stock CBD products is to ensure they are acting legally and in the best interests of patients – which is the same advice we’d give about all other products sold or supplied in pharmacies.
“Our advice to pharmacists considering whether to stock CBD products is to ensure they are acting legally and in the best interests of patients”
The statement added: “We would welcome clear, authoritative guidance that makes it easier for manufacturers, health care professionals, retailers and consumers to make informed choices, keeping everyone on the right side of the law and safe from harm.”
The pro-Novel Foods compliance trade group, the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry, welcomed the NPA’s statement.
Steve Moore, ACI Strategic Counsel, said: “Today, the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry welcomes the call for improved CBD regulations from the National Pharmacy Association.
“Our organisation and existing members are unequivocally committed to achieving Novel Foods status via the Food Standards Agency (FSA) taking us closer to a standardised framework for a legal, safe and regulated cannabinoid industry in the UK. We created the new Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) to help foster a legally compliant, socially responsible and innovative CBD industry.”
He added: “Shoppers should feel confident about the quality of the CBD products on offer in retail – and the fact that they are ‘getting what they pay for.”
Image: ‘We Sell CB’ neon sign, on sale at Amazon.com