Senator Ron Wyden Introduces New Legislation for the Regulation of Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has introduced new legislation that would regulate the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry. The "Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act" would establish a regulatory regime for products that contain hemp cannabinoids. The law would require manufacturers to register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and test their products for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, chemical byproducts, and additives. FDA will be tasked with developing rules for the manufacture and testing of these products. Additionally, the law would set a federal age limit of 21 on hemp-derived products, and prohibit the sale of synthetic cannabinoids. Labeling and packaging requirements will also be established to ensure that products are not designed to appeal to children, and accurately convey potency, risks of consumption, and lack of FDA review or approval.

“Just like the tobacco industry marketing cigarettes to young people, nobody should be slapping fun cartoons and glitzy candy wrapper packaging on cannabis products meant for adults,” said Wyden, in a press release. “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. My legislation will ensure that adult consumers know what they’re getting, and that hemp products are never sold or marketed to children.”

The law has the support of the hemp and cannabis industries. “The hemp industry is united behind a simple, common-sense proposition: Hemp products should be robustly regulated, not the subject of a misguided prohibition. Senator Wyden’s critical legislation does just that: imposing strong health and safety standards for hemp products while ensuring that they are kept out of the hands of minors. Along with dozens of other hemp organizations, the US Hemp Roundtable endorses this bill as we stand up and cheer for Senator Wyden’s continued stewardship and leadership, and as we look forward to continuing to work closely with him as this bill progresses and transforms over the next several months,” said Jonathan Miller, general counsel at U.S. Hemp Roundtable, in a press release.

“For too long, federal inaction has fostered an unregulated marketplace for hemp THC products, endangering the public and creating unfair competition for regulated cannabis businesses,” added Aaron Smith, CEO at the National Cannabis Industry Association. “We look forward to working with Senator Wyden to pass the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act because it solves this problem by implementing commonsense safeguards to ensure intoxicating hemp products are tested, properly labeled, and not made available to minors while creating a pathway for manufacturers to provide safe hemp products to adults through a regulated framework.”

Previously, Wyden introduced the "Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act."