Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) on Wednesday introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA), aimed at establishing a federal framework for regulating cannabis-derived cannabinoids such as CBD and delta-8 THC. did. This law aims to protect public health by establishing national standards for age restrictions, safety testing, and labeling of hemp products.
FDA to oversee safety and access of hemp products
Wyden's CSRA proposes a national age limit of 21 years for the purchase of hemp-derived cannabinoid products and requires all such products to undergo safety and manufacturing testing to ensure a clean process are. The bill would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to recall or ban cannabis products that contain dangerous chemicals or additives, and ensure the truth of labeling.
“Just as the tobacco industry sells cigarettes to young people, we shouldn't slap fun cartoons or gaudy candy packaging on cannabis products aimed at adults,” Wyden said in a press release. “The federal floor for regulating hemp products is non-negotiable to ensure that consumers are not put at risk by untested products of unknown origin. We guarantee you know what you are getting and that our hemp products are never sold or promoted to children.”
Synthetic cannabinoids are subject to federal ban
The legislation would allow states to impose their own regulations on hemp-derived products beyond the bill's provisions. It also prohibits “artificial or synthetically derived cannabinoids and semi-synthetic cannabinoids,” defined as those produced by chemical synthesis, modification, or transformation. The bill would prohibit the addition of cannabinoids to products that contain alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, or other substances that could interact with or enhance the effects of cannabinoids.
Synthetically derived cannabinoids, such as Delta-8 THC, would also be banned by the federal government. This means that products containing delta-8 THC synthesized from legal CBD will now be illegal, significantly impacting their availability on state markets where they are currently sold.
Additionally, the bill would create a new division at the FDA, the Center for Cannabinoid Products, to enforce the ban on synthetically derived cannabinoids and regulate the dosage of hemp products.
Industry groups support Wyden's cannabis bill
Co-sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), CSRA has garnered support from major industry groups including the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the National Cannabis Industry Association.
“The hemp industry is united in the simple, common-sense proposition that hemp products are not subject to unreasonable prohibition and should be strictly regulated,” said Jonathan Miller, General Counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. said.
Related article: Experts call for united front on hemp and cannabis, 'industry should work together' to push for federal regulations
Clifford Stark, Chairman and CEO of Flora Growth Corporation FLGC, expressed support for the bill. “The introduction of the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act represents a critical step forward for the cannabis and hemp industries. By establishing clear regulatory standards, this bill not only protects public health and safety but also Importantly, these products will be rigorously tested and properly labeled. , to ensure that age restrictions are in place,” Starke said in a press release.
Wyden's proposal comes amid a growing wave of state-level actions to regulate or ban synthetic hemp products. The bill aims to address regulatory gaps that have existed since the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill legalized hemp production but unintentionally opened the market to unregulated psychoactive hemp-derived products, such as delta-9 THC edibles and beverages.
Congressional delays, possible backlash
CSRA aims to balance consumer safety and industry growth, but MJBizDaily notes that passage remains uncertain due to legislative gridlock in Congress. There are challenges moving forward with basic funding bills, and more complex bills like CSRA could face delays.
Additionally, the bill could spark controversy similar to recent events in Missouri and California, where regulatory actions against hemp-derived products faced legal challenges and industry backlash. Critics have argued that such measures could inadvertently harm patients who rely on cannabis-derived CBD treatments and harm the cannabis industry, and Wyden's proposal also This suggests that similar opposition may be encountered.
Impact on hemp investing
For investors, the introduction of the CSRA signals potential market changes in the hemp and cannabis industry. Increased regulation will impact companies that produce hemp-derived products, potentially impacting profitability and investment opportunities.
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