When the FDA convened the first hearing about CBD a week ago Friday, The New York Times described the event as “one hot ticket.” Apparently over 400 experts originally requested to speak, yet the list was narrowed down to 120 people who were given 2-4 minutes to state their case.
There will be ample time to submit public comments until July 2, 2019. But it was compelling to hear the actual testimony. I listened in to quite a bit of it. (It went from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. that day).
Why all the fuss? Because there were (and still are) so many viewpoints and no clear cut answers. And, at the end of the day, as a pet owner just like the rest of the Goodnewsforpets community, I want to give my pet products that I believe have been tested and deemed safe.
For over twenty years at Germinder & Associates, my teams and I have worked on marketing and public relations for many pet products regulated by various agencies and regulatory bodies including the USDA, EPA and the most stringent of all, the FDA. We’ve also worked on marketing and public relations of great over-the-counter or OTC products that are not drugs including pet foods that have their own labeling and safety requirements. I understand the processes. I understand when they are talking about a regulatory pathway. It’s a fascinating and complex story that relies on dozens of experts far smarter than me!
We’re continuing to follow this CBD story. We want to bring you more information about a substance that has exploded on the marketplace, yet so much more needs to be known. Cannabis holds much promise, but does it do what is claimed? Which products are the most effective? We really want to find out, and it will take more studies to understand CBD’s effectiveness and safety profile. We’ll continue to report on it and ask the experts!
Speaking of experts, we’re thrilled to bring you Part II of the Germinder20 Power of Pink Honoree guest interview with Dr. C. Thomas Nelson. I know it’s long, but it’s so worth it! He mentions products that have been through the regulatory process and research he is currently working on regarding testing for feline heartworm. And speaking of research, he’ll be presenting his findings at the upcoming American Heartworm Triennial Symposium. We’ve listed the September dates in our Goodnewsforpets calendar here.
And finally for a bit of lighthearted summer fare, we’re thrilled Secret Life of Pets 2 is now out in theaters (beginning Friday June 7, although we think there will be a bit of debate there too….laughing at the cone of shame?! I’ve got stories to tell about my grandpup Lola on that one.
