In the first decision of its kind, The Portman Group has upheld a complaint against CBD gin ‘Colorado High’ in the UK for both creating a link with an illicit drug and implying therapeutic qualities. But the craft distiller behind the gin argues adults know and understand CBD and its distinction from cannabis.
In the UK, cannabis is an illicit drug but CBD is not. However, The Portman Group deemed the product created an indirect association with illicit drugs. It also said the product created a problematic link between alcohol and implied therapeutic effects of CBD.
But craft gin company Silent Pool Distillers believes adults are familiar with CBD - and understand its distinction from cannabis. It says the Portman Group - a self-regulatory industry watchdog funded by eight alcohol industry giants - has failed to grasp the reality of the CBD market .
By Sonya Hook
| 20 January, 2021
A recent complaint against Silent Pool Distillery’s Colorado High CBD-infused gin has been upheld by the Portman Group’s Independent Complaints Panel.
This is the first complaint under the Portman Group’s Code of Practice for the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks about a CBD product. As a result of this decision the Portman Group said it plans to develop guidance to aid producers in their use of CBD in alcohol products.
A member of the public submitted the complaint on the product to the social responsibility body for alcohol in the UK. The complaint highlighted the potential breach of one of the rules of the Code, which prohibits association with illegal drugs, as well as a rule that states there should be no association with therapeutic qualities. The Panel found the product to be in breach of both rules.
Complaint against Silent Pool’s CBD-infused gin upheld 20th January, 2021 by Melita Kiely
Industry watchdog the Portman Group has upheld a complaint against Silent Pool Distillers’ CBD-infused gin for its links to illicit drugs and therapeutic qualities.
A complaint against Silent Pool’s Colorado High CBD-infused gin has been upheld
A member of the public complained about the product to the Portman Group, the social responsibility and regulatory body for alcohol in the UK.
The complaint alleged Silent Pool Distiller’s CBD-infused gin, Colorado High, breached two rules, one that prohibits associating alcohol with illegal drugs and a second that states there should be no link with therapeutic qualities.
UK alcohol advertising watchdogs have told retailers not to stock a CBD gin after the brand's packaging broke guidelines on promoting drug use. related to Cannabis, Spirits, The Portman Group,