Supplements vs. Medications: Where Does Cannabis Stand?

For most people, the difference between dietary supplements and medications is not clearly apparent, particularly in uncontrolled settings, such as social media platforms and e-commerce sites, but the distinction between the two can be crucial for both safety and legal standards. Supplements are commonly available over the counter and are marketed to support general wellness, whereas medications are subject to strict regulations for targeting specific ailments or symptoms.

In the broad field of cannabis discourse, where its different applications, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, are continuously under examination and clarification, this line becomes even more blurred. That’s when the stakes are elevated and the risks are higher, amid the misinformation surrounding the topic, as it is essential for consumers, healthcare providers, regulators, and businesses to understand where cannabis products fit within this legal framework.

In broad terms, dietary supplements are products that include nutrients, vitamins, or botanical compounds meant to complement a person’s diet. These products are intended to aid in maintaining overall wellness (that is, “stay healthy”) or to address specific aspects of health, but they are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions. Regulatory standards ensure that supplements do not make therapeutic claims, which would classify them as drugs.

The main selling point of these supplements is based on cultural or traditional use, celebrity endorsements and/or word-of-mouth recommendations, which often evolves into hearsay of the “amazing” benefits these types of products bring. This is what we commonly refer to as miracle goods, where the health benefits are often exaggerated, the products aren't regulated, and where it's easy for consumers to fall prey to aggressive advertising of unsupervised assertions.

Medications, on the other hand, are chemical compounds, organic or synthetic, that have been approved by health agencies for the specific use of treating, curing, or preventing diseases. They undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy and must meet strict regulatory standards before they can be prescribed or sold to the public. These processes not only ensure that the medication is safe, but also that the company behind it is accountable.

So, the key difference between medications and supplements lies in their purpose: supplements are meant to maintain or enhance health, while medications are developed and approved to treat medical conditions.

When it comes to cannabis products, this distinction becomes particularly important. Cannabis-derived supplements, like those containing CBD (cannabidiol), are usually sold without particular care in terms of regulations, safety and quality assurance, while a high demand for such products might lead the consumer into the hype, making it far harder for them to make a conscious examination of the product.

These products also are hardly enforced in terms of product labeling. Several studies and reports from credible sources, such as the Food and Drug Administration and Johns Hopkins Medicine, have shown that, consistently, CBD-based supplements and off-the-shelf CBD often misrepresent or outright lie about the contents of the product on the label.

To further this point, Mexican law draws a clear line between supplements and medications. The regulations state that supplements cannot be marketed as having therapeutic properties, nor can they be used to heal, cure, or treat any disease or medical condition. This means that any product claiming therapeutic benefits must undergo the safer regulations and processes deemed necessary for such a vital role, or face hefty penalties and the confiscation of those products.

It is understandable that many people make the mistake of thinking that a product containing cannabis is a potent therapeutic agent, regardless of its classification. The current legal framework is designed to protect consumers from misleading claims, interaction with other medications or conditions, and adverse effects. It also emphasizes the importance of working within regulatory requirements to avoid legal risks and ensure public safety.

For example, a CBD oil marketed and registered as a dietary supplement cannot legally state that it "treats anxiety" or "reduces inflammation," as this would classify it as a medication under the law. As we have seen, these claims are reserved for cannabis medications that have undergone the legal and quality approval process to ensure that such claims are backed by scientific evidence and proper oversight.

In other cases, consumers might unknowingly purchase illegal or unregulated products that do not meet safety standards, led by unsubstantiated claims, and which could lead to harmful side effects or drug interactions. Businesses can face legal action, fines, and damage to their reputation if they make unsubstantiated claims about cannabis supplements, or if these products present safety concerns without proper backing.

The evolving legal framework for cannabis presents significant avenues for growth, as well as new product categories and offerings for consumers. Understanding the legal distinctions between product categories and regulatory implications is key to long-term success for cannabis businesses. By adhering to current laws and focusing on education and research, businesses can contribute to the development of high-quality, safe cannabis-based products that are both legal and effective.

Education is, therefore, constantly playing a critical role in the construction of the legal cannabis industry. When it comes to products like cannabis that are sensitive in terms of the legal and regulatory landscape, consumers need to be informed about the differences between supplements and medications. Likewise, businesses must be transparent about the intended uses of their products and avoid making claims that could mislead customers or violate legal standards.