Next week, a congressional committee will hold a hearing on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refusing to adopt regulations allowing the marketing of CBD-derived hemp products. Bipartisan and bicameral legislators have reintroduced separately a bill that would fill the regulatory gaps.
The House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services has scheduled the hearing, titled “Hemp in the Modern World – The Years Long Wait for FDA Action”, on July 27.
In a Thursday press release, Lisa McClain, the chairwoman of the FDA (Republican-MI), said that “the FDA has been failing to do its duty to ensure safety for legalized hemp-derived product.”
She stated that “Without these rules, dangerous products may find their way onto the shelves and safe CBD products might be denied entry to the market.” We will investigate the reasons why the FDA chose to ignore its regulatory responsibilities in relation to CBD, and other areas. We must ensure that FDA does not set a precedent which could be dangerous and use this opportunity to ask Congress for more resources and authority.
Rep. James Comer, R-KY, who chairs the committee, has harshly criticized FDA for announcing in January that the agency would not be developing CBD regulation. He stated that there was no available pathway to develop such rules, and that it would require Congress action.
Sens. Ron Wyden, Rand Paul (RKY), Jeff Merkley and Earl Blumenauer (DOR) filed separate legislation on Thursday to remove the regulatory barriers FDA says prevent it from allowing CBD in food or dietary supplements.
The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act , which was introduced in the last Congress, but never advanced, would exempt hemp, hemp-derived CBD, or any substance containing other ingredients derived from hemp from federal restrictions while allowing officials to implement labeling and packing rules.
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In a recent press release, Wyden stated that “despite being legal in the United States since nearly five years ago, hemp and CBD derived from hemp are still in a gray regulatory zone which puts consumers at risk while holding producers back.” “The FDA is saying that Congress must act. “We’ve got a bill to ensure safe and equal access to CBD derived from hemp.”
Merkley said, “Our hemp farmers need updated CBD regulation to thrive.”
“FDA, get it done!” He said.
Paul said, on his part, that CBD products have “earned their recognition in the market, but unfortunately the FDA has not treated them as any other food additives or dietary supplements.”
The senator stated that “The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act” directs the FDA in regulating hemp products correctly and offers a great relief to farmers, processors and merchants of hemp.
Comer said that in April, his panel would launch an investigation into this matter and requested that FDA provide documents relating to its decision to not regulate the cannabinoid. The congressman had expressed his intention to deal with the lack of rules even before the agency took that decision.
Now, lawmakers are preparing to address FDA’s lack of action at the subcommittee meeting.
The organization announced on Thursday that Jonathan Miller, General Counsel to the U.S. Hemp Roundtable will be one of those who testify at the meeting.
Huge news! @HempRoundtable’s General Counsel, @RecoveringPol, will testify in a historic hearing about #hemp and the #CBD at a @GOPoversight Subcommittee for Health Care and Financial Services. Join us for this historic event on July 27th, 2 PM ET! https://t.co/sqB6ztAQUo pic.twitter.com/Vvdd7KZa9W
The US Hemp Roundtable July 20th, 2023
Miller stated, “It is an honor to be a witness at this historic hearing and to speak about the challenges that hemp farmers and CBD users have faced over the last five years.” “I am looking forward to shining a light on the urgent necessity for clear regulations which ensure consumer safety and encourage the growth of hemp industry.”
Two more witnesses will be called to the stand at the hearing the following week. They are: Rayetta Henderson (senior managing scientist, ToxStrategies LLC) and Richard Badaracco (former Drug Enforcement Administration special agent, now president-elect, Kentucky Narcotic Officers Association, and board member, U.S. Hemp Authority).
A report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture , released in April, shows that the hemp industry suffered a significant decline in 2022. And stakeholders blame the FDA for its refusal to regulate CBD products.
In March , bipartisan members of Congress re-filed two separate bills which are intended to regulate hemp derivatives such as CBD for use in dietary supplements, food and beverage additives and other products.
The FDA announced that it would not be regulating CBD just days after released its finalized guidance which focuses on the development of cannabis-based medicines and details the process as well as unique considerations that scientists should take into account when it comes hemp and marijuana.
The agency has been praised by both parties for its first-ever guidelines on the development of psychedelic drugs. The FDA is also actively working on reviewing the federal scheduling for marijuana, as per a directive given by President Joe Biden in 2013.
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The article Congressional Committee Schedules a Hearing to Press FDA on Lack of CBD Regulations Next week As Bipartisan Legislators File Bills to Address the Issue first appeared on Marijuana Minute.
