WASHINGTON — The U.S. Hemp Roundtable has applauded introduction in the U.S. Senate of the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, legislation that could create a regulatory pathway for cannabidiol (CBD) to be safely used in food, beverages and dietary supplements.
“The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act is a huge win for American consumers, farmers and the hemp industry as a whole,” said Jonathan Miller, U.S. Hemp Roundtable general counsel. “Consumers will benefit from knowing that CBD products must be manufactured according to FDA-approved CBD processes.”
Miller added that struggling American farmers will benefit from a stabilized marketplace. Should the legislation pass along with a companion bill in the U.S. House and be signed into law, Miller predicted that it will stimulate innovation and job creation in the hemp industry.
Miller thanked Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., for crafting what he called smart, sensible and critical legislation. He also cited Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., for serving as the original co-sponsors.
The act allows hemp-derived CBD and other non-intoxicating hemp ingredients to be lawfully marketed as dietary supplements and food and beverage additives. The bill requires CBD and hemp extract product manufacturers to comply with the entire existing comprehensive regulatory framework for dietary supplements and food, which ensures that the products are deemed safe, properly labeled and prepared utilizing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
The bill also honors the country’s commitment made to farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill.
“Hemp farmers have been suffering for three years because of a lack of clarity from Washington,” said Kyle Truesdell, a hemp farmer with operations in several western states. “This bill gives me hope that our hard work and investment will finally start to pay off.”
As the leading advocacy organization for the nation’s hemp industry, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable is urging support and swift passage of the bill.
“Passage of this bill would mark the end of uncertainty for American farmers and provide a boon for consumers and retailers after a crippling pandemic,” said Miller. “We strongly urge every senator to support this bill and bring it to a vote immediately.”
The text of the bill is available at the U.S. Hemp Roundtable website via an online portal where citizens can read the bill, voice their support, send a letter to their senator and stay informed about the progress of the legislation.
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is the hemp industry’s national advocacy organization, a coalition of dozens of leading companies and organizations committed to safe hemp and CBD products. The Roundtable works in partnership with the industry’s leading national, regional and state grassroots organizations, and is leading the way forward for hemp and CBD products through education and action.
