WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bill in the U.S. Congress would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory authority over cannabinoids derived from cannabis, while giving states the freedom to set additional rules.
The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA), introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., would provide comprehensive coverage for both products containing delta-8 or other synthetic intoxicants and non-psychoactive natural cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG. A federal framework will be established. .
This proposed bill differs from a previously introduced bill, the so-called “Miller Amendment,” which would completely ban synthetic “high” production cannabis cannabinoids. CSRA instead opts for the FDA's strict regulations for harmful or unsafe chemicals used in production. Although such products are not banned, the law is sure to hurt the drug industry, which operates in a legal gray area due to loopholes in federal law.
CSRA vs. “Mirror”
While the CSRA seeks to regulate the entire hemp-derived cannabinoid industry at the federal level, the Miller amendment would require that such products be made under the 2018 Farm Bill, which was aimed at distancing hemp from marijuana and marijuana. This reflects an idea that is inconsistent with the spirit of hemp legalization. Psychoactive properties. The bill, proposed as part of the next U.S. Farm Bill, would take a broader, more targeted approach to redefining hemp to include only non-intoxicating cannabinoids. There is.
Both bills, if passed, would flood the market with products that are widely available and marketed to children, and free states from the headaches caused by hemp-derived intoxicants, which are a boon to cowboy CBD producers. It will be liberating.
“Just like the tobacco industry markets cigarettes to young people, we shouldn't slap fun cartoons or gaudy candy wrappers onto cannabis products aimed at adults,” Wyden said in a press release. “The federal floor for regulating hemp products is non-negotiable to ensure consumers are not put at risk by untested products of unknown origin.
The core of the CSRA is to provide the federal government with a baseline of safety and regulatory standards while also allowing states to impose stricter regulations as needed, including outright bans on products, as some states have already done. The purpose is to enable the introduction of
confused consumers
According to Wyden's bill summary, some states regulate intoxicating cannabis products, while others do not, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between legal and illegal cannabis products. It is necessary to do so. “My legislation will ensure that adult consumers understand what they are getting and that hemp products are never sold or promoted to children.”
While the primary goal of the Miller amendment is to remove all cannabis-derived intoxicants, such as delta-8 THC, from the market, Wyden's proposal softens that approach, but would still include an age limit of 21. Product sales may be significantly reduced. restrictions, strict labeling, child-proof packaging requirements, and prohibitions on marketing to minors.
CSRA will also begin putting guardrails in place for products containing CBD and other hemp cannabinoids, which remain unregulated more than five years after being legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill. The FDA argued that it does not consider hemp-derived CBD to be safe enough to legally sell as a dietary supplement, even though it is widely available on the semi-gray market. The FDA asked Congress to create a new regulatory pathway for CBD because current regulations for dietary supplements and food additives do not control CBD.
Importantly, the CSRA also allows states to impose additional regulations and taxes, ensuring they maintain significant control over the sale and distribution of cannabinoid products within their borders, resulting in an additional hit to sales. It is certain that it will give you.
Other CSRA provisions
Under the federal oversight required by the Wyden bill, all producers of cannabinoid products must register with the FDA, adhere to strict manufacturing standards, and ensure product potency to ensure consumer safety. , pesticides, heavy metals, and chemical additives. .
In its provisions applicable to both intoxicating and non-intoxicating products, the CSRA also:
Non-intoxicating, naturally occurring cannabis cannabinoids are considered or allowed to be included in foods if they meet the standards of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Prohibits companies from selling cannabinoid products if they contain alcohol, tobacco, or nicotine. Ban electronic cigarettes. Banning anything containing cannabinoids from being naturally or artificially flavored; Limiting terpene content in e-cigarettes to 6% or less; Cartoons on cannabinoid packaging or labels that may appeal to children Prohibits the sale of cannabinoid products in the form of candy or snacks; FDA can recall products if necessary; Imported products meet U.S. standards guaranteed; funded research to develop cannabis impairment standards and develop a “cannabis breathalyzer”; created a $125 million grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services; Increased efforts to prevent youth use of cannabis and cannabinoid products, establishing a $200 million state cannabis impaired driving prevention grant program and a national anti-drug driving campaign.
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