Following the FDA’s January announcement that the agency will not use its current regulatory powers to implement a legal pathway for CBD food and dietary supplements, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), along with U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) reintroduced the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act. The bill “directs the FDA to regulate hemp products properly and provides a huge relief to hemp farmers, processors, and merchants,” according to Senator Paul. It also aims to fix the “regulatory gray zone” hemp-derived CBD products exist in, which “puts consumers at risk and holds producers back,” says Senator Wyden.
According to Wyden’s office, the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act would:
Give hemp-derived CBD products an opportunity to lawfully be used in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
Prioritize consumer safety, requiring manufacturers to comply with all existing federal regulations for products that contain CBD; and
Ensure that products are correctly labeled
Chief Legal Strategist for AgHS, Courtney N. Moran, LL.M., provided the following statement:
“We are grateful for the continued leadership and bipartisan support by Senators Wyden, Merkley, and Paul for cannabinoid hemp. The re-introduction of the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act keeps potential pathways for cannabinoid regulation within existing FDA authority open while encouraging more detailed dialogue between Congress, FDA, and industry stakeholders to find the best option for a comprehensive regulatory framework that balances consumer safety and industry market access.”
AgHS is here to help bring your voice to Congress. Contact us to learn more by email at admin@agriculturalhempsolutions.com, or by phone at 888-388-4367.