New study on CBD highlights consumer confusion

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) are demanding federal regulation and oversight of the ‘exploding’ CBD market, after its new report claims a high number of consumers lack knowledge about the ingredient.

The report, ‘The Urgent Need for CBD Clarity’ analysed data from its survey of 2,056 adults from the US and focused the majority of its finding on the 1,272 respondents (6 in 10) who indicated familiarity with cannabidiol or CBD.

GMA’s survey revealed that while one-in-three (34%) of Americans have bought a CBD product, 76% of these consumers assume CBD products are subject to federal regulations and safety oversight, when in fact no such regulations exist.

Instead, the CBD industry operates within a system of state regulations, and upon learning this, 82% of the participants expressed alarm, 67% of whom said they were “extremely” or “very” concerned.

Moreover, the study revealed that 39% of Americans incorrectly believe CBD is just another name for marijuana and more than half mistakenly think it can get you “high.”

The survey found that 79% of respondents believe CBD products should be regulated at the federal level, or federally in concert with the states. GMA plans to launch an advocacy campaign urging the FDA to establish uniform federal regulations that oversees CBD products.

According to the GMA, 70% of those surveyed also indicated that they would be more confident in the safety of CBD products if they were manufactured by large, well-known brands due to them having more safety controls in place and higher manufacturing standards.

GMA president and CEO Geoff Freeman said: “Without a uniform federal regulatory framework in place, consumers lack the basic information they need to make informed decisions about CBD.

“GMA will build a broad-based coalition and lead an aggressive campaign to protect consumers by advancing regulatory clarity.”

From January 2020, GMA will become the Consumer Brands Association.