Floyd Landis, the American cyclist who was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France win due to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, has found redemption in the CBD industry. In 2016, Landis launched Floyd’s of Leadville, a company that sells CBD-infused products, including gummies, coffee, drink mixes, and tonics. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. Landis discovered its benefits after enduring numerous painful injuries from his professional athletic career.
CBD has been touted for its potential to manage anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, arthritis, and even HIV symptoms. However, the lack of substantial evidence supporting these health benefits has posed a challenge for the CBD industry. While the FDA has approved Epidiolex, a prescription CBD medicine, for the treatment of seizures, no other medical claims can be made for CBD products.
Regulatory clarity is another obstacle for CBD businesses like Floyd’s of Leadville. The FDA has left the industry in a state of ambiguity, making it difficult for companies to market their products or make medical claims. In the UK, the lack of legal clarity regarding CBD has stalled the granting of Novel Food authorizations, hindering innovation in the sector.
One major issue in the CBD market is the distinction between “isolate” and “full spectrum” products. Isolates contain only CBD, while full spectrum products contain all cannabinoids and plant compounds, including trace amounts of THC. US and EU regulations stipulate that CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC, which is insufficient to cause a “high.” In the UK, there is no official limit for THC in CBD products, but THC content cannot exceed one milligram per component part. Many companies opt for CBD isolate products due to the perceived safety concerns, although Landis believes that the combination of THC and other cannabinoids may have a higher efficacy rate.
The perception of CBD as a medicine rather than a food ingredient has limited its use in food and beverage applications. While CBD can be added to products in large doses without affecting taste, its association with medicinal effects has deterred widespread adoption. Floyd’s of Leadville primarily sells softgels, tinctures, and balms, with its customer base consisting of active middle-aged individuals seeking relief from aches and pains associated with aging. The company does offer drink mixes and tonics, as well as a CBD coffee called “Stage 17,” which combines the benefits of caffeine and CBD.
With regulatory uncertainties on both sides of the Atlantic, Landis is cautious about expanding Floyd’s of Leadville to international markets. He is waiting for further clarity before launching products in the UK or other parts of Europe. In the US, the company is also awaiting regulatory developments before pursuing new product offerings.
In the ever-evolving food and beverage industry, CBD presents both challenges and opportunities. As the sector navigates regulatory complexities and seeks to address consumer trends and demands, CBD companies like Floyd’s of Leadville must find their way through the current landscape to continue innovating and providing value to their customers.
