Press Release

Consumer Brands Association Forms Expert Board to Provide Strategic Oversight of Advocacy Approach to CBD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leslie Lake, 571-378-6757 [email protected]

January 22, 2020

Board members bring expertise from across government, health and law enforcement fields to guide association’s work in burgeoning market

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Consumer Brands Association today launched an advisory board to guide the organization’s work to enhance safety and ensure appropriate oversight in the burgeoning cannabidiol (CBD) market for consumer packaged goods (CPG). Joining the CBD Advisory Board are: Mick Cornett, former Oklahoma City mayor; Edward Davis, former commissioner, Boston Police Department; Tom Galvin, executive director, Digital Citizens Alliance; Karen Tandy, former administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Michael Taylor, former deputy commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“The individuals that we have assembled have decades of experience in tackling issues like the one we face today — the smart regulation of CBD,” said Consumer Brands Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “Each of the advisory board members brings a unique perspective that will be crucial in helping inform and guide the CPG industry’s advocacy approach on this rapidly evolving issue.”

Recent research shows that Americans are confused about the most critical components of CBD — what it is, what it does and how it’s regulated. A staggering 92% of Americans incorrectly assume, or have no idea, if CBD is regulated at the federal level, and 66% assume CBD products are safe. The advisory board will serve as a helmsman, providing thought leadership and strategic oversight for the industry as it moves forward in seeking appropriate regulation of CBD.

The Consumer Brands Association is calling for increased funding for scientific research into CBD and additional resources for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s enforcement and regulation of CBD in consumer products.

For full bios of the CBD Advisory Board members, click here.

What They’re Saying

Mick Cornett, former Oklahoma City mayor

“States really need the federal government to step up and take the lead on CBD. When it comes to public safety and consumer confidence we need higher standards and more robust regulations.”

Edward Davis, former commissioner, Boston Police Department

“Public health and public safety are interconnected. When it comes to CBD, we need to eradicate the Wild West. Law enforcement, consumers and cities all benefit with more intelligence, transparency and rules of the road to enhance compliance.”

Tom Galvin, executive director, Digital Citizens Alliance

“Consumers need confidence in the authenticity and safety of the products they use. CBD is an emerging focus for us, and we believe it should be for regulators and policymakers too. Consumers deserve to know that the CBD products they are purchasing can be trusted. The stakes are too high.”

Karen Tandy, former administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

“Federal regulators and law enforcement need the necessary resources to ensure any CBD that enters the marketplace is safe, regulated and not entering through the hands of bad actors.”

Michael Taylor, former deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“I strongly support efforts by FDA and responsible industry to protect consumers by advocating for science-based oversight of CBD.”

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The Consumer Brands Association, previously the Grocery Manufacturers Association, champions the industry whose products Americans depend on every day. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting more than 20 million American jobs.