The ASA has taken action against Anthony Fowler for a CBD supplement ad.
- Fowler advertised his company’s CBD products via social media in July 2024.
- A complaint suggested Fowler’s ad made unverified health claims.
- Despite Fowler’s defense, the ASA found the ad breached advertising codes.
- This marks a recurring issue for Fowler concerning CBD advertising.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) issued a ruling against a social media advertisement by Anthony Fowler, a former boxer from Liverpool, related to his company, Supreme CBD. The ad, posted on Fowler’s social media account in July 2024, came under scrutiny for promoting CBD products with a discount code, coupled with what were considered broad health claims.
In the promotional content, Fowler mentioned that many people were hesitant to try CBD due to cost and uncertainty about its effectiveness. He asserted, “It will work, for everyone, because we all have the same system called [sic] endocannabinoid system which works with cannabinoids, like CBD,” and added that the benefits of CBD become noticeable after a few days, unlike other supplements.
A complaint raised against the ad argued that these statements implied universal health benefits without specific evidence, which breached the advertising rules. Fowler, defending himself, claimed these were his personal opinions shared on his account and were not intended as definitive medical advice. He further indicated that the post wasn’t meant to imply proven health benefits, presenting three studies to support potential CBD benefits.
Despite Fowler’s assertions, the ASA concluded that as the owner of Supreme CBD, his social media post was indeed an advertisement. As such, it had to comply with the CAP Code regarding health claims, which require specific established claims from the Great Britain nutrition and health claims register. The ASA noted that no authorized health claims for CBD exist on the register.
The ASA’s decision made it clear that the promotion breached multiple sections of the CAP Code, particularly those concerning health claims related to foods and supplements. Consequently, the ASA directed that such advertisements must not recur unless they adhere to the stipulated guidelines.
This is not Fowler’s first issue with the ASA over CBD advertisements. Earlier in the year, he, along with former footballers John Hartson and Matt Le Tissier, was reprimanded for similar breaches regarding claims that the products could prevent or cure diseases.
Anthony Fowler must adhere to advertising regulations, ensuring all claims align with authorized guidelines.
