UPDATED: Mass. Pharmacies Subject of Probe

UPDATED 7/12


By Walter F. Roche Jr.

Two Massachusetts pharmacies partially owned by a state official are the subject of an inquiry over the sale of products made from hemp.
The state official, Andrew Stein, is part owner of the Bird's Hill Compounding Pharmacy in Needham and Johnson's Wellness and Compounding Pharmacy in Waltham, Mass. Both stores advertise hemp products on their web sites. Stein is a member and current president of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy.
Asked about the hemp sales at the two pharmacies, Ann Scales, spokeswoman for the state Health Department, said the agency "has an open complaint on this matter and is looking into it. We will have no further comment until the issue is resolved."
"We are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the CBD products that we stock to ensure that they are in full compliance with Massachusetts law and regulations," Stein said in an email response.
The disclosure of the inquiry comes shortly after officials of the state Agricultural Resources and Health Departments announced new restrictions on the use of hemp derived cannabis or cannabidiol in products intended for human consumption.
In the June 12 announcement the state officials said the use of CBG in any food product or in any product claiming a medicinal benefit was illegal in the state.
"The following products are NOT approved for sale in the Commonwealth pursuant to M.G.L. c. 128, Section 117(c) and are likewise prohibited for sale under FDA and DPH guidance: Any food product containing CBD; Any product containing CBD derived from hemp that makes therapeutic/medicinal claims," the June 12 notice states.
Among the products advertised on the Bird's Hill web site is a balm "infused with concentrated Gold Formula CBD. Harness your human potential with Plus CBD Oil Extra Strength Balm," the pharmacy web site states."Extra strength CBD Balm absorbs quickly into the skin, providing a soothing and moisturizing experience."
Stein and his partner also have posted items on facebook touting the benefits of CBD products.
Stein was appointed to the state regulatory board in the wake of the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak, which was caused by a now defunct drug compounding company licensed by the Massachusetts board. The deadly outbreak triggered efforts at reform at both the state and local level.
The composition of the Massachusetts Pharmacy board was changed in 2014 and Stein, a compounding pharmacist, was one of the appointees.
Campaign finance reports show Stein has contributed $550 to the campaign committee of Gov. Charles D. Baker.