Ben & Jerry’s ‘will release’ CBD ice cream in the US, when legalised by FDA

Ben & Jerry’s has announced that it plans to release a cannabidiol (CBD)- infused ice cream in the US, as soon as the ingredient is legalised by the US federal government.

At the moment, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits adding CBD to food and drinks on a federal level, but the regulator has today launched a public hearing on the legalisation of CBD-infused foods and beverages.

Ben & Jerry’s, which has submitted comment on the issue, is encouraging consumers to contact the FDA during a public consultation period on the use of CBD in food, which will take place throughout July.

The regulator plans to use comments from the public and companies to inform a working group, which will “explore potential pathways for dietary supplements and/or conventional foods containing CBD to be lawfully marketed”.

Ben & Jerry’s CEO Matthew McCarthy said: “We’re doing this for our fans. We’ve listened and brought them everything from Non-Dairy indulgences to on-the-go portions with our Pint Slices.

“We aspire to love our fans more than they love us and we want to give them what they’re looking for in a fun, Ben & Jerry’s way.”

Ben & Jerry’s has also stated that it intends to use sustainably-sourced CBD from its home state of Vermont in any future CBD-infused ice cream products.