CBD products seem to be everywhere, and that’s got the state worried

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Health Department is warning businesses in the islands that sell cannabis-derived products that they risk “regulatory actions and penalties.”

The warning comes as so-called CBD products skyrocket in popularity locally and nationally.

CBD ― which doesn’t have any mind-altering effects ― is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Items sold with CBD include oils, cosmetics, dietary supplements and foods.

And, officials say, products with CBD sold without a prescription shouldn’t be considered safe.

Of particular concern: Some companies that sell CBD products are making some very big ― and very unsubstantiated ― health claims. Some of those claims are “egregious," the FDA has said.

Earlier this month, the agency sent warning letters to three companies marketing CBD products that claimed to treat everything from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease to drug addiction.

Among the cited examples: “CBD successfully stopped cancer cells” in cervical cancer.

“The FDA and all states are struggling with developing regulatory requirements for this fast-emerging industry," said Health Department Director Bruce Anderson, in a news release.

“As we work on our procedures and await national guidance, the department will monitor and investigate reports of any adverse health effects related to CBD products in Hawaii.”

Anderson added that the state is warning businesses that the interstate sale and distribution of CBD products is illegal, and that manufacturing them in the islands could also lead to consequences.

He said businesses that sell CBD products could be forced to close or be told to take the items off their shelves “at any time due to public concerns or reported adverse health effects.”

Several Hawaii businesses advertise the sale of CBD products. And recently, even large corporations have gotten on the band wagon.