The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put out a call for public comments regarding the therapeutic values and potential for abuse of several substances, including cannabidiol or CBD.
According to a document released by the FDA, the agency will consider any submitted statements while preparing their response to the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the “abuse liability and diversion of these drugs” — WHO will then use this information to consider whether certain international restrictions should be placed on the substances.
The public comment period is open until September 13, 2017. Statements can be made online or via mail — electronic comments must be submitted on or before the due date using the agency’s electronic filing system available at www.regulations.gov. Comments by mail or hand delivery must be delivered or postmarked on or before September 13 and can be mailed to:
Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) currently defines CBD as an illegal, Schedule 1 substance despite a swath of research and anecdotal information that speaks to the cannabinoid’s relative harmlessness and therapeutic value.
Other substances for which the FDA is accepting public comments include Furanylfentanyl and Acryloylfentanyl (two extremely powerful new opioid analgesics), Ketamine, Tramadol, and about a dozen other substances.