Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Fully Legalize CBD Trade
A new federal bill has been introduced by lawmakers to fully legalize the trade in CBD and other hemp-derived products. The bipartisan and bicameral bill, known as The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, was introduced by U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, Rand Paul, and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer.
This comes after the FDA announced in January that it lacked the authority to regulate CBD and other hemp-derived products, leaving the matter to Congress to find a regulatory solution. While the FDA has sent warning letters to companies making non-compliant disease claims about CBD products, it has not created a clear regulatory framework for these products, leading to market restrictions and a lack of investment.
The sponsors of the bill aim to remove the regulatory uncertainty surrounding hemp and hemp-derived CBD. In a statement, Sen. Wyden emphasized the need for equal and safe access to CBD, while Sen. Paul criticized the FDA for not treating these products on par with other food additives or dietary supplements.
To address this issue, the bill would amend the drug exclusion clause of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). It would specifically exempt hemp products from the clause, allowing hemp-derived CBD to be used lawfully in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The legislation would prioritize consumer safety by requiring manufacturers to comply with existing federal regulations and properly label their products.
Industry groups such as the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) have expressed their support for the bill. Michael McGuffin, President of AHPA, acknowledged the leadership shown by the lawmakers and applauded their efforts to ensure proper regulation of hemp and CBD products.
In addition to the introduction of this bill, a hearing titled Hemp in the Modern World: The Yearslong Wait for FDA Action has been scheduled for July 27. The hearing, hosted by the Health Care and Financial Services Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight, will discuss the status of hemp products and the FDA’s lack of action on the issue.
Overall, the proposed bill aims to provide clarity and a secure regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived CBD products. By legalizing the trade and ensuring compliance with consumer safety regulations, it would unlock the full potential of this market, benefiting both consumers and producers.
