U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats representing Oregon, have reintroduced legislation that would return hemp to the market and create national safety standards for hemp-derived THC products.
Reintroduction of the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) follows passage of last month’s government funding bill containing a provision to outlaw hemp products nationwide.
“There’s no question that more needs to be done to protect kids and consumers from unsafe, untested hemp products,” Wyden said in a statement. “We learned from the failed war on drugs that a one-size-fits all approach banning hemp products from the market outright does nothing to protect kids and consumers, and will be a gut-punch to thousands of jobs and small businesses across the country. My legislation takes the thoughtful and measured approach necessary to implement strong consumer protection regulations while fostering growth and innovation in this growing industry.”
The bill would mandate a minimum age of 21 to buy and set a serving size limit for intoxicating content in hemp-derived products where states do not have limits in place. The legislation would require that all hemp-derived products be tested for safety and manufactured using clean and safe processes. The CSRA would require truth in labeling, and would require the FDA to recall or ban any hemp-derived products that contain too much THC, dangerous chemicals, byproducts or additives.
U.S. Hemp Roundtable, which has sought more time to establish a regulatory framework before the federal hemp THC ban takes effect next year, voiced its support for the legislation.
“The hemp industry stands firmly behind Senator Wyden’s effort to replace confusion with clarity and prohibition with practical regulation. From the beginning, Senator Wyden has been one of hemp’s greatest champions, and this legislation reflects his commitment to responsible reform. It takes important steps to protect consumers, ensure products are safe and kept out of the hands of children, while preserving access to the hemp-derived products that millions of Americans rely on for their health and wellness,” said Jonathan Miller, General Counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, in a statement.
Dawson Hobbs, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs for the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, also backed the push for a federal hemp framework.
"This legislation would allow states to continue implementing their own standards while setting important baseline public safety standards and ensuring that these products are not readily available to children. We look forward to working with Senator Wyden to craft a comprehensive regulatory solution for intoxicating hemp products,” he said in a statement.
