Pico IV Sold Intravenous CBD, FDA Warns: It’s a Health Risk

Can you take CBD intravenously? Californian company Pico IV Inc. decided to answer that question by saying yes.

Their product, Pico IV, offers intravenous CBD infusions, promising fast-acting and numerous health benefits. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not share this opinion. In March 2025, they issued an official warning to the company , highlighting the serious health risks and illegal nature of the product.

What is Pico IV and why has it caused controversy?

A bottle of Pico IV CBD submerged in water – a THC-free CBD intravenous infusion product developed by Apex Labs, which has sparked controversy among experts and the FDA.
Pico IV is a CBD drip designed for intravenous infusion. It contains six main cannabinoids:

CBD – potentially reduces anxiety and inflammation,
CBG – may support bone health and neuroprotection,
CBN – may help with relaxation and improve sleep,
CBC – is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects,
CBDa – may have neuroprotective properties,
CBGa – may have antibacterial effects.

The manufacturer touted Pico IV as a revolutionary way to quickly deliver CBD to the body, suggesting its effectiveness in treating inflammation, relieving pain and improving mental well-being.

Pico IV is not the only CBD product designed for intravenous infusion. Apex Labs CBD has previously appeared on the market, developing technology that allows for intravenous administration of cannabinoids. A key element of this process is reducing the size of the CBD molecule to the picometer level – one trillionth (1/1,000,000,000,000) of a meter, or 10⁻¹² of a meter. According to the manufacturer, this method guarantees maximum absorption of the substance.

However, the FDA quickly responded, pointing out the lack of evidence that the method is safe and the serious risk to public health.

FDA Warning Letter – What Are Pico IV Charges Against?

The FDA has issued a formal warning to Pico IV Inc., citing violations of drug sales regulations. The letter to the company’s CEO, Joseph Young, highlights key issues:

No Drug Approval – Pico IV is considered a “new drug” but has not undergone appropriate testing and has not been approved by the FDA.

Illegal Marketing Claims – The company suggested that Pico IV could help treat pain, inflammation, and even neurodegenerative diseases.

Misclassification as a dietary supplement – ​​According to the FDA, any substance administered intravenously cannot be considered a supplement.

The FDA warned that continued sale of Pico IV could result in legal consequences, including product confiscation and fines.

Is Intravenous CBD Safe? Potential Risks

Although CBD in the form of oils, capsules, or gummies is widely used, there is a lack of research on its safety when administered intravenously. FDA experts point out several key risks:

What’s Next for Pico IV? Possible Scenarios

After receiving the FDA letter, Pico IV Inc. faces a difficult choice. The company can:

Withdraw the product from the market – thereby avoiding legal consequences.
Comply with regulations – conduct clinical trials and obtain FDA approval.
Risk further sale – which could result in product confiscation and lawsuits.
The company has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

Summary: What does this case mean for the CBD market?

Although cannabinoids are gaining popularity, taking CBD by intravenous injection raises serious concerns. Consumers should be aware of the risks associated with untested products, and companies should comply with applicable regulations.

Does IV CBD have a future? Probably not. Most consumers choose oils or capsules because they are convenient, proven, and less controversial. The idea of ​​an IV infusion seems risky, and the lack of research only adds to those concerns. Pico IV will likely remain a curiosity on the fringes of the CBD market unless the company decides to do some serious research and gets FDA approval—which seems unlikely.

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(Featured image by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash)

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