The US Food and Drug Administration issued on July 23 a warning letter to Curaleaf Inc. for selling products containing cannabidiol (CBD) online with unsubstantiated claims that the products treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and opioid withdrawal, among other conditions or diseases.

“As we examine potential regulatory pathways for the lawful marketing of products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds like CBD, protecting and promoting public health remains our top priority,” said FDA Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless in a news release. “Selling unapproved products with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims — such as claims that CBD products can treat serious diseases and conditions — can put patients and consumers at risk by leading them to put off important medical care.”