The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled against Anthony Fowler’s CBD supplement advertisement, deeming it misleading.
- The ad on Fowler’s social media claimed CBD benefits without authorised backing, breaching advertising codes.
- Fowler insisted the post reflected personal opinions rather than medical claims.
- ASA highlighted the need for compliance with health claim regulations.
- Ultimately, the ad must not be shown again in its current form.
In a significant ruling, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) decided against the promotional tactics used by Anthony Fowler regarding his company’s CBD supplements. The decision, centred around a social media post from July 2024, involved claims made by Fowler on his platform, which the ASA found to be misleading. The post included promises of CBD’s positive effects using a discount code, which the ASA concluded implied unauthorised health benefits.
Despite Fowler’s assertion that he was merely expressing his personal viewpoint, the ASA identified that, as the owner of Supreme CBD, his opinions were construed as commercial advertising. The ASA noted that any advertisements need to meet the standards set by the CAP Code, which necessitates that health-related claims must be supported by specific authorised evidence on the Great Britain nutrition and health claims register.
The assessment by the ASA observed that Fowler’s statement that everyone experiences benefits from CBD due to the endocannabinoid system was particularly problematic. This was perceived to convey that CBD inherently improves health and well-being, necessitating authorised claims which, according to ASA’s findings, were absent on the GB Register.
The ruling emphasised that no validated health claims for CBD appear on the GB Register, rendering Fowler’s promotional statements in violation of the advertising regulations. As a result, the ASA’s decision mandates that the advertisement cannot be displayed again in the format that attracted complaints.
In prior incidents, Fowler, a former boxing champion, faced similar censure from the ASA, along with other sports personalities, for claims that the products could prevent or treat diseases, reinforcing the need for stringent adherence to advertising guidelines.
The ASA’s stance affirms the crucial need for compliance with advertising standards, especially in health-related sectors.
