---

 ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2018/052w.png)

 [ 420 FILE ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=370)

#  FDA Approves Marketing of Plant-Derived Marijuana Medicine

June 28 2018

Written by Paul Armentano.

<a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a><a class="a2a_button_print"></a>[](https://www.addtoany.com/share)

**420 FILE--**Regulators at the US Food and Drug Administration on Monday [granted market approval](http://click.actionnetwork.org/mpss/c/GAE/ni0YAA/t.2ip/C0Qh26GsTy-jisac4z71eg/h9/Upf5SKqybwGpzUaSCNuC-2FiR-2F-2FfaiEakR-2BiL6cDRhkn-2FDesgNGDARG-2FVO8sYQ0VPtH1wP8XtXjyqAxXe8-2BOWy1tjG0qDiDyjjprYSQ2Uornq0v15-2FKWGYRetHbdmFIS4SabsX7OWDhF8y6vLUKictrgNAmjNhutNIQQ1HGuvJ-2BGyiU23lDy67TYcjmYnlJLa8K0gQET7Lf9BPcN9Z7Rfd2CzqBPBTj-2BJYn5t7scjjRXcdeEF0aUoPmxjqxY0zxhSgwd2dSTLrrQdeHj8egTU2tzzxnXY5IaaozgTmGK1Gmr0SInuBs8q5gj6pMJwFQ7YDDroHo-2FXwSFCPqIkxNgoPPZGy7eDjqXUDqH3eRilP4y8-3D) to Epidiolex, a prescription medicine containing a standardized formulation of plant-derived cannabidiol (CBD) for the explicit treatment of two rare forms of severe epilepsy: [Lennox-Gastaut syndrome](http://click.actionnetwork.org/mpss/c/GAE/ni0YAA/t.2ip/C0Qh26GsTy-jisac4z71eg/h10/WTTPYkPg78XgSm0yb9yCRmf-2Frg0fzhktgLeMhayhlhiNSzBhdKqfj7K6lrMs7PZ75aJ9nbyqBTWgRVpN8ZA1JtNfje-2FaZku5LpU19IIG3Bjm2OzMWHsKOa9l5whqqo-2FxAmpSpcFuvTJU7stvwEJlx8RY7IGgUCDDZrg7GV9-2FHblAAQH2X21NxUBXLAGypcl2pv2BSdNjEZrj4vV7cofjAegIsxqz6hWIuN0BJuXQI2Q8qkMH1WqMrZ0TnPgvyn-2BslQmVWylXpc-2BxLQUONhDOcmGOEDr8nXP-2BQu-2FfGWa4saj4f3Bq-2BGJiXgHTY9XfRsxQGZSi8mmpmS3mmFZP2lAbhumMq5ZQGQ-2BNGCUXQaF7myigqUMDyBsgCbOxF01YB9lJ) and [Dravet syndrome](http://click.actionnetwork.org/mpss/c/GAE/ni0YAA/t.2ip/C0Qh26GsTy-jisac4z71eg/h11/WTTPYkPg78XgSm0yb9yCRqS7zIfD2I5e6Q2Lb2RaR9IK2tDTbdWtwr-2FhLSIJA3OvdS-2FLzEzecl4LvSPkTZR16ThidQtvHvSezbEr7zVW1R5xH01DFvWVbS-2FO8nuMKeihiClQ154mV-2BNF9XsnPnlNRyjClzcHCquYHbpYRhb7en34x-2FU6p-2Fr5ASdJGusCz8XYcJq942SmNKfYixOWofLcarobshzzG4HGSvEoojRcq2gYMhQjdyeeSSEE-2BNIgMjbiRjizHeauSmbJO4S3pM418m2X8L6JTT6jnwOuQt6UNyddxFFcogv8u1x8N-2F7Jt0P5-2Fess0tsMte1omABwoWziiwYGXYtpycqF9aaCwXRqzMmsE6lJCm9yV6VCwPcvPdu9).

The proprietary extract formulation - developed by the British biotechnology firm GW Pharmaceuticals - had demonstrated safety and clinical efficacy at reducing seizure frequency in several placebo-controlled [trials](http://click.actionnetwork.org/mpss/c/GAE/ni0YAA/t.2ip/C0Qh26GsTy-jisac4z71eg/h12/WTTPYkPg78XgSm0yb9yCRm2N1QLeVrrSPGCFa-2BUjqJDNZPfYcBCQWHxxqKT8wepfKckd8wzczEurOoccst1iY5q3aNnENrcZQbQXOB31aqkQwmszbjgq921uTbmCx2bEKcrdk-2BJ-2FucR4ehAjnCXTfEaEYLZoXqs6F3RTJrDSLRlrmbWwzQSUz-2FojXI-2FlkFfERgJWfbl3Ad7xilXUrnnih924HX1cZE6PT9EZ-2Bc-2BQIwIJHHu7Hif6KAmz8vFlU-2FpKGgwTxtWnHXt9-2B-2FxvRc-2BA94Tkok-2BTESDW739QdxCOsfQ-3D). It is the fourth marijuana-based medicine to receive US FDA approval - joining dronabinol (aka Marinol), nabilone (aka Cesamet), and liquid synthetic THC (aka Syndros). However, Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved medicine containing plant-derived, non-synthetic cannabinoids.

Commenting on the agency's decision, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: "We anticipate that Epidiolex will be the first of many potential FDA-approved medicines based on the cannabis plant. Nonetheless, these alternatives should not be regulated as options to replace the use and regulation of herbal cannabis - a product that humans have used safely and effectively as a medicine for thousands of years and is approved today by statute in 30 states."

Federal agencies have 90 days to determine the scheduling of Epidiolex under the US Controlled Substances Act. According to the *New York Times*, analysts [expect](http://click.actionnetwork.org/mpss/c/GAE/ni0YAA/t.2ip/C0Qh26GsTy-jisac4z71eg/h13/wspANFbyofaCTRUcC3Fm5xjP9g-2BhnEk1kDSTEb5XvKKziiQFYGkv4u05xFib4rMZjBKZQ4sdCT1ETbNWhGbVEQnjKFRPG2e-2BaJuRVKNdVjBSQeCATdCgSmslXcN9EO-2Fv-2F7jcZkq2e0xcqbwHXd4DiI6DcqINvqABzuxxE-2FhV5IG0-2Fu56sL6I94EHAxR05NJ54pQ6bM0ZkH6kMJrL-2BeNOa9oIY-2BFZ1aXAo0wlsnYCWj5YPq7t338OH3CqEr13V11n-2Fm3BRUZHus0PFmbCEUDn52a7Nt1uFX01N-2F3i9ipxOxQD8jhTWBxAUVK3BfKwOeBSyx7rsL-2BV-2FK63SkkyEBkj-2FLZtwAbffcaGPCfQsGHtrhZ1hmECFhHHJxy2s3PTRFNq) Epidiolex to cost patients between $2,500 and $5,000 a month.

Despite the FDA's approval of Epidiolex, the agency [acknowledged in a statement](http://click.actionnetwork.org/mpss/c/GAE/ni0YAA/t.2ip/C0Qh26GsTy-jisac4z71eg/h14/wCjEwokMYqa5hZtS2eDaxWuzTYu1Apz-2F6gVGkvyavqEm5w65cucIxFOh-2FVVao9uYTVL51xgsW3UPEu4iRfoKOYrBzHw6nx1aW1DTSlq09F9WJ-2BV4-2BkROnbUi9QZen2AggfOf2KJAvKdHuE9UUF0fusAFcS0e1UQjcFA2ixDV6i2z54PxHM6fbC7slMC0qEdf89utdXQSaiTXEzylGHSfubHkqh-2BDtqD4KV3RKM1Prfi4KRV4DXzVMJDi8pdR-2BM1pVhUVBsMfQLz6AWH0pD5j-2BIglh5e0grcH-2Bg0YWY1tk3Xr2UTd8r7jdAstyGLPxzc-2B4wLF9CnrsniNLpyavh66JQ-3D-3D) that the cannabidinoid CBD still remains classified at this time as a schedule I controlled substance, and that the agency is "prepared to take action when we see the illegal marketing of CBD-containing products with serious, unproven medical claims." FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb further [added](http://click.actionnetwork.org/mpss/c/GAE/ni0YAA/t.2ip/C0Qh26GsTy-jisac4z71eg/h15/DFruV08mvN0MyCCrHm-2ByQA4tKcBWyKk3ivmn6Q-2Bt-2BO4lI8-2B8Nn3dLJSPmRtr-2BFmQgc9bgLQJeUBSiAc8MU3z-2FIJ7CaEunsvfaH-2FcxJwBARSlhltjJZv015zSObj2oMLj62iLNDz-2B1wtmlgeVFeaZe3HNQ-2FIgk1dcUiJzp-2FqfN9O2M1oEqpIS0yg3bWh0-2F9NfmBKd6-2Fs27de9-2FlLSET1z6JP0rhhHytwU9TkIwRTSelxUa9Vr1MYGRroYdXwh8-2FkYr6ElNyQRLhpc4YDK9lHscA4si-2B7zkXU-2BcwUftsxM8p-2BfGAK-2F1ie-2FKBgdV6tuKr266n7MnzhgPJpYuVthSMn8dmxaFHMxNHIrEyCNHyjbYk0-3D): "This is the approval of one specific CBD medication for a specific use. ... \[T\]his is not an approval of marijuana or all of its components."

*(For more information, contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at:* *<paul@norml.org>.)*

-cw

 [ ![LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20level%20pay%205-7-25.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/82 "LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)")

 ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/banners/signup-for-cw.png)

## Get The News In Your Email Inbox Mondays &amp; Thursdays

 Phone

 [ ![Home - HHR Rent is too High - SB-2](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/HHR/AHF-rent-too-high.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/104 "Home - HHR Rent is too High - SB-2")

[![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/420FILE/420map-button.png)](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1aJKR8O-8BWOb9uR7p_2UmapNTL6n154B&ll=34.08274658817956%2C-118.34514801441333&z=11) [![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/420FILE/pot-power-logo.png)](https://podbay.fm/podcast/716402907/e/1380917940)

![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/420FILE/use-cannabis-responsibly.png)

 ---

##  Featured CityWatch Stories

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/a9/070g-a9407aaa.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33278:they-said-it-made-no-sense-then-they-voted-yes&catid=327)

### [They Said It Made No Sense. Then They Voted Yes.](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33278:they-said-it-made-no-sense-then-they-voted-yes&catid=327)

INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS - Sacramento has streamlined housing approvals so aggressively that residents rarely get a heari…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/20/070h-20f29015.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33277:trump-world-from-assassination-abroad-to-chaos-at-home&catid=395)

### [Trump World. From Assassination Abroad to Chaos at Home](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33277:trump-world-from-assassination-abroad-to-chaos-at-home&catid=395)

GELFAND’S WORLD - We’re at a moment when all sorts of political questions are coming to a head. And if that old phrase…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/4b/070i-4ba64015.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33283:newsoms-next-immigration-gamble-defy-federal-law-and-dare-washington-to-fight-back&catid=375)

### [Newsom’s Next Immigration Gamble: Defy Federal Law And Dare Washington To Fight Back](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33283:newsoms-next-immigration-gamble-defy-federal-law-and-dare-washington-to-fight-back&catid=375)

MY THOUGHTS - Gov. Gavin Newsom is about to decide whether California should take another extraordinary gamble with fed…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/44/071d-441a7ed2.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33308:as-california-debated-sharing-data-on-drivers-homeland-security-subpoenaed-17-million-records&catid=425)

### [As California Debated Sharing Data On Drivers, Homeland Security Subpoenaed 17 Million Records](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33308:as-california-debated-sharing-data-on-drivers-homeland-security-subpoenaed-17-million-records&catid=425)

TECHNOLOGY - California lawmakers wrestled with a difficult question earlier this summer: Could the state safely share…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/88/071n-88bb0b90.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33300:follow-the-money-how-does-a-3-662-apartment-become-affordable-housing&catid=312)

### [Follow the Money: How Does a $3,662 Apartment Become “Affordable Housing”?](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33300:follow-the-money-how-does-a-3-662-apartment-become-affordable-housing&catid=312)

INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS - ED 1 Is Redeveloping Los Angeles—One Neighborhood at a Time You know that persistent, annoyin…

---

##  [ 420 FILE ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=370)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Aug-2026/068p.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33270:best-dispensaries-in-new-buffalo-in-2026-5-stores-you-should-visit&catid=370)### [Best Dispensaries in New Buffalo in 2026 \[5 Stores You Should Visit\]](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33270:best-dispensaries-in-new-buffalo-in-2026-5-stores-you-should-visit&catid=370)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/046r.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32869:acapulco-gold-feminized-seeds-complete-growing-guide&catid=370)### [Acapulco Gold Feminized Seeds: Complete Growing Guide](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32869:acapulco-gold-feminized-seeds-complete-growing-guide&catid=370)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/043n.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32813:how-legal-delivery-changed-the-way-cities-buy-cannabis&catid=370)### [How Legal Delivery Changed the Way Cities Buy Cannabis](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32813:how-legal-delivery-changed-the-way-cities-buy-cannabis&catid=370)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2026/029u.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32560:5-simple-thc-drink-recipes-youll-love&catid=370)### [5 Simple THC Drink Recipes You’ll Love](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32560:5-simple-thc-drink-recipes-youll-love&catid=370)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2026/029o.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32552:taxing-illegality-city-halls-dangerous-surrender-on-marijuana-enforcement&catid=370)### [Taxing Illegality: City Hall’s Dangerous Surrender on Marijuana Enforcement](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32552:taxing-illegality-city-halls-dangerous-surrender-on-marijuana-enforcement&catid=370)
<div data-id="1" 
	class="eb-inst eb-hide eb-emailform eb-1 eboxContentLocker"
	data-options='{"trigger":"onPageLoad","trigger_selector":"","delay":3000,"early_trigger":true,"scroll_depth":"percentage","scroll_depth_value":80,"firing_frequency":1,"reverse_scroll_close":true,"threshold":0,"close_out_viewport":false,"exit_timer":1000,"idle_time":10000,"close_on_esc":false,"animation_open":"slideInDown","animation_close":"fadeOutDown","animation_duration":400,"disable_page_scroll":true,"test_mode":false,"debug":false,"ga_tracking":true,"ga_tracking_id":"G-P16BQ7X1SW","ga_tracking_event_category":"EngageBox","ga_tracking_event_label":"Box #1 - Global Email Signup Form","auto_focus":false}'
	data-type='popup'
	>

	<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-outside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>
	<div class="eb-dialog eb-formVer" role="dialog" aria-modal="true" id="dialog1" aria-label="dialog1">
		
		<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-inside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>	
		<div class="eb-container">
						<div class="eb-content">
				
<form action="https://citywatchla.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=34d69f33624fd058ee9b56516&amp;id=4bfa422f51&amp;f_id=00d6c2e1f0" class="eb" method="post" id="mcform-1" name="mcform-1" target="_blank">
			<div class="eb-form-header"><p><img src="/images/2023/06/be-a-city-watcher.png" alt="be a city watcher" width="350" height="97" loading="lazy" data-path="local-images:/2023/06/be-a-city-watcher.png"></p>
<p>Sign up to receive our special e-news blasts on Monday and Thursday evenings!</p></div>
	
					<div class="eb-field-row">

			
			
			
			<input class="eb-input" type="email" name="EMAIL"  placeholder="Email address"  id="EMAIL" value="" required>

			
		</div>
										
	<div class="eb-footer">
    	<button class="eb-btn" type="submit" name="subscribe" style="background-color:rgba(93, 183, 93, 1);color:rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)">
    		Sign up    	</button>
    </div>
</form>			</div>
		</div>
	</div>	
</div>
<div data-id="3" 
	class="eb-inst eb-hide eb-yesno eb-3 "
	data-options='{"trigger":"onScrollDepth","trigger_selector":"","delay":0,"early_trigger":false,"scroll_depth":"percentage","scroll_depth_value":80,"firing_frequency":2,"reverse_scroll_close":false,"threshold":0,"close_out_viewport":false,"exit_timer":1000,"idle_time":1000,"close_on_esc":false,"animation_open":"fadeInUp","animation_close":"fadeOut","animation_duration":300,"disable_page_scroll":false,"test_mode":false,"debug":false,"ga_tracking":true,"ga_tracking_id":"G-P16BQ7X1SW","ga_tracking_event_category":"EngageBox","ga_tracking_event_label":"Box #3 - Yes \/ No Donation Popup Box","auto_focus":false}'
	data-type='popup'
	>

	<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-outside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>
	<div class="eb-dialog " role="dialog" aria-modal="true" id="dialog3" aria-label="dialog3">
		
		<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-inside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>	
		<div class="eb-container">
						<div class="eb-content">
				
<div class="ebox-yes-no">
	<div class="ebox-yn-text">
		
		
		<div class="ebox-yn-headline" style="font-size:22px;color:#888888">
			<p>If you only give once a month, would you consider giving to CityWatch?</p>
<p>Your support fuels our mission to promote and facilitate civic engagement and neighborhood empowerment, and to hold area government and its politicians accountable.</p>
<p>Would you like to help? Even if you can only give $5, it will make a difference.</p>		</div>
			</div>
	
	<div class="ebox-ys-buttons" style="font-size: 16px;">
		
<a
					data-ebox-prevent="0"
		data-ebox-cmd="close"
				target="_self"
		href="https://www.citywatchla.com/donate"
		rel="noopener"
	
	
	
	
	class="ebox-ys-btn"
	style="background-color:#2ec664;color:#ffffff;min-width:100px">
	Yes
	</a>
<a
	
	
			data-ebox-cmd="close"
		href="#"
	
	
	class="ebox-ys-btn"
	style="background-color:#ef2345;color:#ffffff;min-width:100px">
	Not Right Now
	</a>	</div>

	</div>			</div>
		</div>
	</div>	
</div>