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Earlier this month, the medical journal Pediatrics published a new study analyzing reports of accidental child exposure to cannabis edibles from 2017 – 2022, finding that the number of young children accidentally ingesting cannabis in the United States has increased consistently and significantly over the past five years. According to the study, children, especially those under age five, are at particular risk as they may not be able to distinguish between copycat tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products and the well-known treats they resemble.

As we’ve written elsewhere, states impose strict restrictions on underage access to cannabis products in the licensed marketplace and generally prohibit marketing cannabis products to minors. The study’s findings emphasize the risks posed by copycat THC products and echo concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a 2022 consumer alert. The agency noted many “edible products are designed to mimic the appearance of well-known branded foods by using similar brand names, logos, or pictures on their packaging. These copycats are easily mistaken for popular, well-recognized foods that appeal to children.” As the FDA detailed, “accidental ingestion of these products can lead to serious adverse events, especially in children.”Continue Reading Preventing Accidental Exposure of Illicit Cannabis Products to Underage Consumers

In this edition of The 411 on 420, Perkins Coie partner Megan Morrissey was joined by Nancy Whiteman (CEO of Wana Brands), Gail Rand (CEO and Founder of grand consulting), and Allison Pugina (Category Manager of Canopy Growth Corporation) to discuss product development and branding strategies within the cannabis industry.  As co-authors of the recently-released…

Today, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a settlement in its most recent law enforcement action in its ongoing efforts to monitor the marketplace regarding misleading cannabidiol (CBD) product claims. The action targets Kushly Industries LLC (Kushly) and the company’s sole officer for allegedly making false or unsupported health benefit claims about Kushly’s CBD product.
Continue Reading FTC Continues Crackdown on Unsupported CBD Marketing

Since the legalization of marijuana in a growing number of states and of hemp-derived CBD at the federal level, lawmakers have been hard pressed to keep pace with the explosive growth of the industry.  However, with a number of potential sources for regulatory developments in both industries on the horizon, 2021 could be the year for greater legalization and regulatory clarity for marketing these products.
Continue Reading Cannabis and CBD Marketing Developments in 2021

Proposition 65 warning requirements announced last year are set to be enforced starting January 3, 2021; if your business is selling cannabis products in California, now is the time to ensure that your labeling complies with state requirements.

Last year, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added Δ9‑tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as “THC,” to…

A recent putative class action regarding edible cannabidiol (CBD) products reminds potential plaintiffs of the importance of pleading with particularity.

On behalf of a putative class of consumers, a purchaser alleged that Bhang Medicinal Chocolates contained a smaller quantity of CBD than the product advertised. Plaintiff asserted that he had independent lab testing to support this claim. On this basis, the purchaser alleged violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”), False Advertising Law (“FAL”), and Consumer Legal Remedies Act (“CLRA”), and he also lodged claims of breach of express warranty, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation.
Continue Reading Putative CBD Chocolate Class Action Dismissed: Allegations Must Be Plead with Particularity

On March 28, 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) joined the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in sending warning letters to three companies that market products that contain cannabidiol (CBD), which the companies claim can treat a variety of serious physical and mental disorders.

CBD can be added to foods and beverages, and can be synthesized, or derived from either hemp (which is legal at the federal level under the 2018 Farm Bill) or marijuana (which is illegal as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act). The FDA has not yet approved CBD as a food additive, and products containing CBD are currently deemed unsafe under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA has cited deceptive marketing practices as its main concern with respect to products that contain CBD, and has taken the position that selling products that contain CBD through unapproved therapeutic claims is illegal. Between 2015 and 2018, the FDA issued 18 warning letters regarding products containing CBD.  Each of the letters was triggered by drug claims. Ten of the warning letters also challenged adding CBD to dietary supplements, and one warning letter also challenged adding CBD to food. Despite the warning letters, the FDA has not yet undertaken a single enforcement action against a CBD product.
Continue Reading FTC Joins FDA in Sending Warning Letters to Companies Advertising and Selling Products Containing Cannabidiol (CBD) Claiming to Treat Alzheimer’s, Cancer, and Other Diseases