We're happy to announce a new certification program for legally compliant CBD products and websites. Starting today, US manufacturers and merchants can apply through LegitScript to certify CBD products and websites that are in compliance with USDA, FDA, FTC, and DEA regulations, as well as state-specific laws.
LegitScript is the global leader in merchant and product certification and monitoring in the e-commerce and payment sectors. Our certification programs for internet pharmacies, healthcare companies, and drug and alcohol addiction treatment providers have helped merchants in these high-risk and tightly regulated industries demonstrate that they operate safely and legally. Our new program will do the same for CBD producers, merchants, and retailers.
LegitScript CEO John Horton said the program will bring transparency and structure to an industry that is lacking trusted standards: "Although some CBD products are now legal federally in the US, many remain illegal - particularly nearly all ingestible products and those containing more than trace amounts of THC," referring to the active ingredient in marijuana. "The LegitScript seal gives internet platforms, banks, and consumers confidence that merchants are complying with applicable laws and that product ingredients have been tested to ensure the absence of psychoactive ingredients."
As part of the program, LegitScript will review and monitor marketing claims to protect consumers and ensure compliance with FDA and FTC guidance. "Whatever CBD's actual benefits may be, merchants can't say that CBD is going to cure cancer or mitigate some disease," Horton said. "Intense consumer interest in CBD makes the industry ripe for opportunists."
At present, most internet platforms and payment providers have official policies prohibiting all sales of CBD products. LegitScript CBD Certification may offer a path for these entities to more confidently onboard merchants selling fully compliant CBD products.
"We're working with a select number of internet and payment partners to integrate our certification program over the coming months in a way that will mitigate their regulatory risk, but allow greater acceptance of non-psychoactive, legally compliant CBD products," Horton said.
The program is also designed to help CBD merchants ensure they are aligned with federal and state regulatory requirements.
To learn more about CBD Certification or to start an application, visit our CBD Certification page.
