So you have decided to launch your own CBD company!! Congratulations! If you have done your research you will see the work compliance pop up A LOT, but what is it?
Compliance for CBD Supplements in the UK is set by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Food Standard Agency (FSA). These guidelines dictate what needs to be on your labels for your CBD products. These will appear as the warning on your labels and include things like the maximum recommended daily intake and a warning to “vulnerable” people such as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and those taking prescribed medication.
There are also some types of CBD supplements that are not permitted to sell without a valid license, and some, like CBD flower, that are completely banned, but that is for another post for another day.
Another thing to remember about compliance is, under no circumstances are you allowed to make any medical claims on your label or in your advertising and marketing. You must state on your label that it is sold as a supplement and not as medication.
Even sharing testimonials that make health claims such as, ” this oil had really helped with my headaches”. This can land your business in some hot water and is an absolute NO-NO. You will see some companies do it and there is a temptation there to do it as well, but it is not worth the risk. Especially if you are a small company. You not only risk getting in trouble and getting a fine, but it is also heavily frowned upon amongst other small CBD companies and can directly impact your ability to network in these circles.
Canna Boss Designs works closely with manufacturers and CannaPro to ensure we are always up to date when it comes to what needs to be on your labels and what you can say on your website, advertising, and marketing content. However, it is highly advisable that you learn these rules as a CBD business owner and make sure you understand the guidelines. Especially if you are using outside marketing agencies that don’t normally deal with CBD clients. Those that don’t specialise in CBD may not understand the current guidelines, so it is important for you to know them.
We have had clients in the past who worked with other agencies and freelancers before they came to us and a lot of the material they paid their hard-earned money for was not compliant.
What you will learn about CBD small businesses is there is this stick-together attitude and you can learn all about compliance from a good manufacturer, wholesale company or white label company. Those that have been in the industry longer are almost always willing to share their knowledge and advice with fledgling companies, just like you. If you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask. You can also sign up to organisations such as CannaPro that give help and advice as well as legal advice to all their members.
