NEW YORK – CVS, the nation’s largest pharmacy chain, is entering the market for CBD-infused products.
More than 800 stores in 8 states, including Colorado, now sell creams, sprays, roll-ons, lotions and salves containing the cannabis extract.
CEO Larry Merlo says the company will take it slowly. “But you know we think this is something the customers are going to be looking for as part of the health offering.”
CVS will not sell CBD supplements or food additives; it will only offer externally applied products.
CBD creams are sold everywhere from Neiman Marcus to Sephora, with claims they improve skin or reduce pain and inflammation. And while CBD comes from a type of cannabis plant it does not induce a high.
But there’s no scientific evidence proving it works, or if creams are even absorbed deeply into the skin.
One researcher says it’s a case of buyer beware. Know going into it there’s no evidence for it but if you’re going to walk out feeling better,” said Columbia University Marijuana Research Laboratory director Dr. Margaret Haney. “I’m not going to say that’s a terrible thing but as a society, let’s get the real evidence.”
