Labeling CBD Beverages: Avoiding Pitfalls, Building Trust
CBD beverages have surged in popularity, but labels are more than eye-catching designs. They carry the weight of legal compliance, consumer trust, and product transparency. With federal agencies maintaining restrictions and states filling the regulatory gaps, brands must navigate a complex landscape to keep their drinks on the shelf.
Federal Oversight: The Ground Rules
At the federal level, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) holds firm: CBD cannot legally be added to conventional foods or marketed as dietary supplements. Labels suggesting otherwise risk being flagged as misbranded. The FDA also prohibits disease or treatment claims and stresses that CBD’s safety in food remains unproven.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) watches advertising closely. Brands must ensure that any health or wellness claims are truthful, not misleading, and backed by credible evidence.
Meanwhile, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has made it clear that CBD cannot be infused into alcoholic products. No beer, wine, or spirits containing CBD will receive federal approval.
State Programs: Filling in the Details
Because federal law leaves CBD beverages in a gray area, states have stepped in with specific rules. Most require labels to include:
- Cannabinoid content per serving and per package
- Serving size in household terms
- Batch or lot number for traceability
- Manufacturer or distributor details
- Health disclaimers and age restrictions
- QR code or web link to a certificate of analysis (CoA)
Examples from key states:
- New York requires QR codes linking directly to lab results, cannabinoid content per serving, expiration date, and tamper-evident packaging.
- Texas insists that if a QR code is used, the label must also print the URL for easy access.
- Florida is enforcing updated labeling rules in 2025, requiring scannable barcodes for COAs and clear serving sizes.
- California, through AB 45, allows hemp-derived ingredients but requires manufacturer authorization and detailed packaging rules.
Compliance as a Best Practice
The most successful CBD beverage brands go beyond minimal compliance. They treat labeling as an opportunity to build trust. That means:
- Showing clear cannabinoid counts per serving and package
- Providing scannable QR codes linked to current lab reports
- Listing batch numbers, dates, and manufacturer details
- Including standard disclaimers and age restrictions
- Steering clear of unproven or misleading health claims
Why It Matters
CBD beverages sit in a legally sensitive space. A label that follows the rules not only reduces enforcement risk but also signals professionalism and care. In a crowded marketplace, transparency—accurate dosing, scannable lab results, and clear warnings—sets brands apart. More than design, the label is now the foundation of credibility.