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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stopped Marc Ching, doing business as Whole Lead Organics, from claiming that its product called “Thrive” can treat, prevent or reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Thrive is a supplement consisting mainly of Vitamin C and herbal extracts. Ching/Whole Leaf Organics is advertising and selling a 50-capsule bottle of the herbal supplement for $36.99.

The FTC filed a complaint against Ching/Whole Leaf Organics for allegedly advertising Thrive as an “anti-viral wellness booster” staring in or around March 2020.

The federal consumer protection watchdog alleged that the defendant falsely claimed that the herbal supplement treats, prevents, and reduces the risk of COVID-19. It also alleged that the defendant lied that Thrive’s health benefits are clinically proven.

Whole Leaf Organics allegedly falsely claimed its CBD products can treat cancer

Additionally, the FTC alleged that Ching/Whole Leaf Organics falsely advertised and sold his products containing CBD can cure cancer.

The defendant allegedly used his Whole Leaf Organics website to advertise and sell his products CBD-EX, an ingestible capsule containing a combination of cannabidiol and herbal extracts; CBD-RX and CBD-Max, oils composed primarily of CBD and hemp extract.

Ching is advertising the three CBD products as effective cancer treatments but he does not have scientific evidence to support his claims. Therefore, he is making deceptive or false advertisements about the products, according to the FTC in its complaint.

The defendant is selling 30 capsules of CBD-EX for $39.99 and a bottle of CBD-RX and CBD-Max between $75 and $125.

FTC will sue any company making false health claims

In a statement, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Andrew Smith commented, “There’s no proof that any product will prevent or treat COVID-19 or that any CBD product will treat cancer. Let’s be clear: companies making these claims can look forward to an FTC lawsuit like this one.”