In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential health benefits of CBD, or cannabidiol.[0] CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, and it has been shown to have various therapeutic effects, such as reducing pain, inflammation, and anxiety.[1] However, despite its potential benefits, there has been a lack of regulation surrounding CBD products, leading to concerns about consumer safety and fair treatment for hemp producers.
To address these concerns, bipartisan federal lawmakers have reintroduced legislation to ensure that hemp-derived CBD products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like other legal products used in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages. The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, introduced by Senators Wyden, Paul, and Merkley, along with Representative Blumenauer, aims to prioritize consumer safety by requiring manufacturers to comply with existing federal regulations for products containing CBD.[2] Additionally, the legislation seeks to ensure that these products are properly labeled.[3]
This legislation is particularly important in light of the FDA's announcement earlier this year that it does not plan to issue implementing regulations for hemp-derived CBD products.[4] Instead, the FDA has stated that it needs a new regulatory framework for hemp and CBD, putting the responsibility back on Congress to take action. This has created a regulatory gray zone that puts consumers at risk and hampers the growth of the hemp industry.[2]
The lawmakers argue that hemp and hemp-derived CBD have been legally grown in the United States for nearly five years, yet they still lack proper regulation. The FDA's current stance on CBD products prevents them from being used in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages without further regulation. By enacting this legislation, hemp-derived CBD products would be given the opportunity to be lawfully used in these products, ensuring consumer safety while also supporting hemp farmers, processors, and merchants.
The introduction of this legislation has been met with support from various industry organizations. Michael McGuffin, President of the American Herbal Products Association, appreciates the leadership of Senators Wyden, Paul, and Merkley in resolving this matter.[2] He believes that Americans deserve assurances that the hemp and CBD products they use are properly regulated.[2] Jonathan Miller, general counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, also supports the legislation, stating that it provides a much-needed pathway for the FDA to establish a clear and consistent framework for the production, marketing, and sale of hemp-derived CBD.[3]
While the focus of this article has been on the legislative efforts to regulate CBD products, it is important to note that there are still ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the potential health benefits of CBD. While CBD has shown promise in various areas, such as epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain, there is currently no evidence to suggest that it can effectively manage diabetes or its symptoms.[0] It is crucial to rely on established diabetes management strategies, as recommended by healthcare providers.[0]
In conclusion, the reintroduction of legislation to regulate hemp-derived CBD products is a significant step towards ensuring consumer safety and fair treatment for hemp producers. By giving the FDA the authority to regulate these products like other legal products used in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages, the legislation aims to address the regulatory gray zone that currently exists.[3] With the support of industry organizations and the recognition of the potential health benefits of CBD, it is hoped that this legislation will be enacted to provide clarity and protection for consumers and the hemp industry as a whole.
0. “CBD Against Diabetes? – Prevention, Treatment, News …” www.atmph.org, 28 Jul. 2023, https://www.atmph.org/health/does-cbd-help-with-diabetes/
1. “CBD benefits to help you take control of your health” www.openaccessgovernment.org, 28 Jul. 2023, https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbd-benefits-health-anxiety-stress-sleep-menopause/162613/
2. “U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral …” goldrushcam.com, 28 Jul. 2023, https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/48036-u-s-senator-ron-wyden-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-update-regulations-to-ensure-equal-and-safe-access-to-hemp-derived-cbd-products
3. “Bipartisan Federal Proposal Seeks to Update Hemp-Derived CBD …” www.ganjapreneur.com, 28 Jul. 2023, https://www.ganjapreneur.com/bipartisan-federal-proposal-seeks-to-update-hemp-derived-cbd-rules/
4. “Congressional Committee Addresses FDA Inaction On CBD …” www.marijuanamoment.net, 28 Jul. 2023, https://www.marijuanamoment.net/watch-live-congressional-committee-addresses-fda-inaction-on-cbd-regulations/
