In February of this year, health officials in New York City placed a ban on restaurants and cafes selling CBD-infused products. The stated reason for the ban at the time was that there are safety concerns about the products containing the cannabinoid. Eight months later, many locations are still selling products infused with CBD despite the ban, according to a story from the Associated Press.
When the ban was placed on CBD consumables back in February, coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries and other eateries were surprised by the legal action taken by city officials. The reason given was that CBD is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a safe food additive. City health officials gave establishments until October 1st to stop selling products infused with CBD. Otherwise, restaurants and other eateries could face a fine of up $650.
Even though city officials made a statement to crack down on the sale of CBD products, they are still widely available in NYC as of mid-October. Consumables like CBD-infused coffee, cookies, cakes and various other food items are still being sold in the Big Apple. A reporter from the Associated Press recently noted that at a location near the World Trade Center, a sign read: “Add an extra dose of CBD oil to any drink for $5.”
Other cafes and bakeries around Manhattan still offer CBD-infused baked goods for sale in the open – even in a display case. There are also flavored iced tea drinks being sold infused with CBD, as well as various cafe drinks like lattes and smoothies.
The FDA has approved the use of CBD as a treatment for patients suffering from a form of epilepsy. Since CBD has been gaining in popularity in recent years, there have been debates and discussions as to its efficacy as a medicine. This has led to restrictions on CBD as an additive in food and drinks. The FDA claims they are exploring ways to allow CBD to be permitted as a food supplement. Until that happens, the compound is technically restricted in the same way that a cafe couldn’t serve you a side of ibuprofen with your iced coffee.
Michael Lanza, a spokesman for the New York City Department of Health, told the Associated Press that no violations had yet been given out. Lanza said that health officials will confront eatery owners in the future if they continue to sell CBD-infused food and drink products. The ban on CBD products only currently applies to prepared food and drinks, and not CBD oil that is sold in stores.
