NACS Position - CBD, Kratom and Not Legal Products

The NACS Show welcomes exhibitors who are selling legal products in a legal manner. NACS does not independently evaluate the legality of the products shown in the exposition but any product of which NACS becomes aware that is not a legal product or that is not being offered in a legal manner will be removed from the NACS Show.

Not Legal Products – Marijuana-derived products, products containing marijuana, and products containing not legal substances are strictly prohibited at the NACS Show. This includes products such as Delta-8 THC, among other products.

Products Containing CBD – The FDA has not approved any retail products containing hemp-derived CBD that are ingestible or that make claims of therapeutic benefit/disease treatment. The FDA therefore maintains that the sale of such products is illegal under the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act

For more information, please visit NACS CBD Retailing Compliance Resources.

Exhibitors – CBD at the NACS Show

At the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago, NACS members that manufacture or distribute hemp-derived CBD products are eligible to participate as exhibitors. Exhibiting suppliers with products containing CBD must comply with the following statements and agree to our supplemental addendum:

  • No exhibitor can sell or distribute cannabis in any form at the Show.
  • Promotional materials and packaging for hemp-derived CBD products are permitted.
  • No exhibitor can be in open possession of cannabis in any form at the Show.
  • No exhibitor can offer samples or an opportunity to ingest cannabis in any form, including hemp-derived CBD products, at the Show.

Exhibitors – Kratom at the NACS Show

At the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago, NACS members that manufacture or distribute kratom or products containing kratom are eligible to participate as exhibitors. Exhibiting suppliers with kratom or products containing kratom must comply with the following statements and agree to our supplemental addendum:

  • No exhibitor can distribute kratom in any form at the Show.
  • Promotional materials and packaging for kratom products are permitted.
  • No exhibitor can offer samples or an opportunity to ingest kratom in any form at the Show.

Attendees – ​CBD Products Notice

Please be aware of the following statements regarding CBD products at the 2025 NACS Show.

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any retail products containing hemp-derived CBD that are ingestible or make claims of therapeutic benefit/disease treatment.
  • ​The FDA maintains that the sale of such products is illegal under the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act.
  • The FDA’s position does not apply to topical CBD products that are not ingested as long as such products do not make health claims.
  • Any ingestible CBD products for which marketing materials are displayed at the 2025 NACS Show are not yet legally on the market but may be sold in the marketplace following FDA approval or regulatory action

Attendees – Kratom Products Notice

Please be aware of the following statements regarding kratom products at the 2025 NACS Show.

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that “kratom is not lawfully marketed in the U.S. as a drug product, a dietary supplement, or a food additive in conventional food.”
  • ​Some states do not allow the legal sale of kratom products. You should check your state’s law before agreeing to purchase kratom for sale in your store.

Questions? Contact Jeff McQuilkin.