FDA officials put out a call for comments in Monday’s Federal Register, seeking information about cannabidiol (CBD) and how the United Nation’s World Health Organization should designate it as a substance.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive element in the cannabis plant, known for its beneficial health effects. CBD is one of 17 substances currently under scheduling review by the World Health Organization.

This process affects only the United Nations and the health organization, and does not directly deal with the status of CBD under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

FDA Deputy Commissioner Anna K. Abram sent out the notice this morning and acknowledged the positive health effects CBD had shown in experimental trials related to seizures and epilepsy.

This comment puts the FDA at odds with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which attempted to declare CBD as a Schedule I substance by claiming there was no currently accepted medical use of treatment in the United States.

All those who have information on, or experience with, the use of CBD as a healing substance are encouraged to comment at this federal website. September 13 is the deadline for public comment, and no input will be considered after that date.