Vermont ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s has announced plans to make and sell CBD-infused ice cream as soon as cannabis-infused food products become legal in the United States.
Coming from a company that makes ice cream flavors like Magic Brownies and Half Baked, it should be no big surprise that Ben & Jerry’s is looking to add a cannabinoid as an ingredient in one of their flavors.
“We’re doing this for our fans,” said CEO Matthew McCarthy in a statement. “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.”
But the Vermont ice cream maker won’t be adding CBD to any of its flavors right away as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to create regulations for the manufacture and sale of cannabis-infused foods.
Hemp-derived CBD became legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but CBD and THC-infused foods and drinks are not permitted under current FDA regulations.
Earlier this year, the FDA announced that they would be holding a ten-hour public hearing on May 31 to hear from stakeholders on topics such as manufacturing, sales, and the quality and safety of products.
Ben & Jerry’s has submitted remarks to the FDA regarding CBD and is encouraging others to do the same via the Regulations.gov website during the public comment period, which lasts until July 2.
FDA Public Hearing
May 31, 2019
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
FDA’s White Oak Campus
Building 31, Room 1503 – Great Room
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland 20993
Links to view a webcast of the meeting are available via the FDA website.
Electronic comments must be submitted to Docket FDA-2019-N-1482 by July 2, 2019.
