As the market for products containing cannabidiol, or CBD, grows, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is asking Congress to figure out how to regulate and oversee it.

The agency has declined requests to let the products be marketed as dietary supplements.

“CBD is part of the cannabis plant that does not cause the high associated with marijuana use. Some research has found that it can ease pain, and the FDA has approved one drug with CBD to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy,” CNN reported.

In a statement issued Thursday, an FDA deputy commissioner, Dr. Janet Woodcock, said an internal working group studied where CBD fits into the regulatory framework and concluded that it really doesn’t.

“After careful review, the FDA has concluded that a new regulatory pathway for CBD is needed that balances individuals’ desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks,” she said. “The agency is prepared to work with Congress on this matter.”

Safety concerns

As the Deseret News reported back in 2019, CBD has been booming in products — “sold online and prominently displayed in mainstream stores and specialty boutiques alike across America — touted as a key ingredient in everything from tinctures and lotions to gummy chews, taffy, bath bombs and coffee additives. You can take CBD by pill or capsule, suck a lozenge, put a drop under your tongue, vape it, rub it on or soak in it.”

That article noted that “right now even those rooting for CBD to live...