During the 2021 Fall meeting of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Congressional leaders joined members via zoom for a virtual fly-in to discuss the latest hemp legislation on the hill.
The hottest topic was the push to #RegulateCBDnow as the FDA continues delay oversight after recently admitting that the agency was in a “stalemate position” arguing that current law is “fairly clear” barring it from action on CBD. She followed up: “I don’t know that it’s a matter of FDA policy. I think it may well be a matter of law.” We disagree with FDA’s legal interpretation.
But what is certainly clear is that we need congressional action to #StopTheStalemate and regulate CBD now. It’s also clear that Congress agrees. This summer, both the U.S. House and Senate passed appropriations report language urging immediate action, and directing FDA to issue a formal enforcement discretion policy until regulations are in place.
A full thirty-one U.S. Representatives (19 Democrats and 12 Republicans) [link to sponsors’ sheet] have co-sponsored H.R. 841, a bill that would regulate CBD as a dietary supplement, and a House hearing is expected on the issue this fall.
The Senate meanwhile has two vehicles that would explicitly legalize hemp extract products, like CBD: S. 1698, and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act. The issue is becoming ever more urgent. Lack of regulatory clarity has led to bankruptcies of hemp processing facilities, leaving farmers left with raw hemp material they are unable to sell.
Meanwhile, consumers are left confused and unprotected without regulatory oversight. Hear from HR 841’s lead sponsor, Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and his Republican cosponsor, Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), along with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) who is the lead sponsor of S. 1698, and Sen. Jeff Merkely on why this legislation that would regulate CBD now is so urgent and important. Visit regulateCBDnow.com to contact your members of Congress and ask them to support this critical legislation today!
