Ben & Jerry’s said it is committed to launch CBD-infused ice cream as soon as it’s legalized at the federal level in the US.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US currently prohibits adding cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis, to food and beverages.
Ben & Jerry’s revealed its plans as FDA conducts a public hearing on the legalisation of CBD-infused foods and beverages today (31 May). The ice cream maker, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, has submitted a comment to the regulator in support of legalisation.
“We’re doing this for our fans,” said Matthew McCarthy, chief executive of Ben & Jerry’s. “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 said it will use sustainably-sourced CBD from their home state of Vermont.
CBD, which has significant therapeutic attributes, is closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that causes the ‘high’ that cannabis is famous for. However, by itself, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential in humans, according to a WHO report.
