Cannabidiol (CBD) laced products have been gaining popularity across the US, including New York. Yet, many people, especially food service providers, remain uninformed as to what exactly CBD is and how it will be regulated.

CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant, aka marijuana, weed, herb, Mary Jane, etc. Consumer demand for CBD products has increased substantially as the benefits of the herb have been touted by various companies within the health industry. Many investors are also going all-in on the so-called miracle herb.

Despite CBD’s medicinal qualities, the federal government and many states are hesitant to allow it as an ingredient in food or drink. To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD-related prescription drug product, which is used to treat symptoms of epilepsy.

The FDA has recently held public hearings to gather more information on CBD from medical professionals and researchers.

Here in New York, the NYC Health Department has made its position clear: CBD cannot be added as an ingredient in food or drink. This rigid position confounds many consumers and food service providers since the cannabis derivative is generally legal for use in many products across the country.

Last month the NYC Health Department (DOH) began cracking down on restaurants and bars using CBD-laced food or beverage items. The department has officially banned food service establishments from using any such items, and health inspectors will likely confiscate food or drink containing CBD.

Beginning on October 1, 2019, the DOH will issue violations to food service establishments for using CBD in food or beverage items. The violations might lead to fines and could even affect letter grades.

We will keep our readers updated as more information is released on this subject by state and federal lawmakers, and city agencies.