A new bill introduced this week that could have a significant impact on the ongoing battle to curb the spread of intoxicating hemp-derived products in the US.
It comes just days after California governor Gavin Newsom pushed through an emergency bill that effectively bans any level of THC in hemp products sold in the state, which would decimate the industry.
This crackdown, which has been mirrored in states across the US in recent months, is largely seen by the hemp industry as an overreaction to the lack of regulations surrounding these relatively new hemp-derived products, banning legitimate hemp businesses that cover a swathe of industries and potential uses.
Now the ‘Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act’, introduced by Senator Ron Wyden yesterday, could go some way to solving this increasingly destructive issue.
In a nutshell, bill would make it illegal to market and sell products containing intoxicating cannabinoids like THC anyone under the age of 21.
The proposals would introduce a comprehensive framework for the regulation of cannabis and cannabinoid products through amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
It would establish clear standards for the production, labeling, safety, and distribution of cannabinoid products, and create a Center for Cannabinoid Products within the FDA, which will be responsible for overseeing the safety of these products, setting labeling standards, and regulating their production.
It also defines cannabinoid products, including synthetic cannabinoids, and mandates strict production and sale standards to protect consumers.
To further safeguard public health, the Secretary of Health is tasked with developing national standards for cannabinoid product testing and safety thresholds. The act also includes provisions for the recall of unsafe products.
US hemp industry advocacy group, the US Hemp Roundtable, has voiced its support for the proposals, and called on its members to support it.
Jonathan Miller, the Roundtable’s General Counsel stated: “The hemp industry is united behind a simple, common-sense proposition: Hemp products should be robustly regulated, not the subject of a misguided prohibition.
“The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act does just that: imposing strong health and safety standards for hemp products while ensuring that they are kept out of the hands of minors.
“Along with dozens of other hemp organizations, the US Hemp Roundtable endorses this bill as we stand up and cheer for Sen. Wyden’s continued stewardship and leadership, and as we look forward to continuing to work closely with him as this bill progresses and transforms over the next several months.”
The post New Hemp Bill Could Solve Intoxicating Cannabinoid Issues Plaguing US Industry appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
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