Senator Ron Wyden introduces a new bill to regulate hemp-derived products and protect consumers from unsafe cannabinoids.
At a Glance
- The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act aims to create a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products
- The bill sets a federal age limit of 21 for purchasing hemp-derived products
- Synthetic cannabinoids would be banned, and marketing to children would be prohibited
- Producers must register with the FDA and test products for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants
New Legislation to Regulate Hemp-Derived Products
Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has introduced the “Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act” in an effort to enhance safety measures and reinforce federal regulations governing legal hemp items. The bill seeks to address the regulatory gaps that have emerged since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp cultivation but left many aspects of product regulation unclear.
The proposed legislation aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products under FDA oversight. It sets a federal age limit of 21 for purchasing these products and prohibits the sale of synthetic cannabinoids. The bill also mandates that producers register with the FDA and conduct thorough testing of their products for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
It’s past time for the government to listen to the will of the voters across this country and end the federal prohibition of cannabis once and for all. I’m fighting to do just that. https://t.co/14RaJqZByu
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) July 15, 2021
Protecting Consumers and Addressing Public Health Concerns
One of the primary goals of the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act is to mitigate risks associated with youth consumption of high-THC products, such as CBD edibles and vape products. The bill includes provisions to prevent marketing to children and establishes grant programs for underage cannabis use prevention and cannabis-impaired driving prevention.
“Cannabis prohibition has never kept cannabis out of the hands of kids,” Wyden said in a statement. “Robust regulation can give consumers a safe, reliable option while deterring unregulated markets and disallowing unsafe products.”
The legislation defines “total THC content” to include all forms of THC, including CBD, delta-8 THC, and THCA. It also mandates an internationally recognized symbol and statement on cannabinoid products to clearly identify them as containing cannabis-derived substances. These measures are designed to ensure that consumers are fully informed about the products they are purchasing and using.
Industry Support and Opposition
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a leading industry advocacy group, has expressed support for Senator Wyden’s regulatory approach. Jonathan Miller, general counsel of the organization, stated, “We strongly support Senator Wyden’s efforts here to promote robust regulation for hemp products, as opposed to misguided prohibition. This is precisely what the hemp industry has been urging” since hemp was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill.
“A federal floor for regulation of hemp products is non-negotiable to ensure that consumers aren’t put at risk by untested products of unknown origin,” Wyden said. “My legislation will ensure that adult consumers know what they’re getting, and that hemp products are never sold or marketed to children.”
However, the bill faces opposition from anti-drug groups, law enforcement, and some health organizations. These groups have called on Congress to embrace a ban on hemp-derived products, arguing that “trying to regulate semi-synthetic cannabinoids will not work.” This opposition highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of cannabis and hemp-derived products.
Broader Cannabis Reform Efforts
The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act is part of a broader push for cannabis reform in Congress. Senator Wyden, along with Senators Cory Booker and Charles E. Schumer, has also reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), which aims to end the federal prohibition of cannabis by removing it from the list of federally controlled substances.
“Our comprehensive Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act doesn’t tell states what to do—but it provides them with the tools to effectively implement the laws their voters and legislators choose,” said Senator Wyden. “Public health, public safety, opportunity and social justice must be at the core of any cannabis reform proposal, and it’s crucial stakeholders continue to have a seat at the table. I look forward to working with my colleagues and advocates across the country to make these priorities a reality.”
As the debate over cannabis regulation continues, Senator Wyden’s Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act represents a significant step towards creating a comprehensive federal framework for hemp-derived products. The bill’s progress through Congress will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, consumer advocacy groups, and concerned citizens alike.
Sources:
- Congress introduces bill to create pathway for hemp products, cannabinoids
- Wyden, Paul, Merkley, Blumenauer Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Update Regulations to Ensure Equal and Safe Access to Hemp-derived CBD Products
- Booker, Schumer, Wyden Lead Reintroduction of Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, Legislation to End Federal Prohibition of Cannabis
