Products with ‘intoxicating’ effects generate controversy
WASHINGTON, D.C. (420CanNews)—As discussions surrounding the Farm Bill intensify, one contentious topic has taken center stage: the regulation of hemp products, particularly those with perceived “intoxicating” effects. With Congress extending the Farm Bill in its current form until September 2024, questions surrounding the legality and regulation of hemp-derived products have sparked heated debates across the nation.
Since the inception of the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp legalization has opened doors for the production and sale of various hemp-derived goods, including cannabidiol (CBD) products. However, the presence of large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, in hemp-based products has complicated matters. These products have raised concerns, prompting calls for stricter regulations and even outright bans in some states.
State concerns prompt calls for additional legislation
In Missouri, the debate over hemp regulation has reached a critical juncture, with discussions unfolding within the context of the Farm Bill, according to the Missouri Independent. Concerns over the intoxicating effects of unregulated hemp products have led to calls for enhanced federal oversight. The recent extension of the Farm Bill has provided lawmakers with an opportunity to address these concerns and redefine the parameters of hemp’s legality and regulation.
Similarly, South Carolina has taken decisive action in response to the perceived risks associated with CBD and intoxicating hemp products, reported Hemp Today. The state’s decision to ban the addition of CBD and hemp-derived substances to food and beverage products reflects growing apprehensions surrounding the unregulated market for these goods.
Lawmakers from Florida to Hawaii have also considered additional regulation regarding “intoxicating” hemp products and are in various stages of debate.
Nationally, observers expect that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will provide updated guidance over CBD production and testing, but no one is certain to what extent a revamped Farm Bill will have on the matter. Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, told the Missouri Independent, “My guess is that the farm bill will not resolve [the issue of intoxicating products] and it will be something that will be continued to be studied and handled in the states.”
Calls emerge for updated guidelines
Amidst these developments, stakeholders in the hemp industry continue to advocate for clear guidelines and standards to govern the production and sale of hemp-derived products. Recognizing the economic potential of the hemp market, industry players emphasize the importance of responsible regulation that balances consumer safety with economic growth.
When Congress opened a public-comment period on the matter last summer, multiple organizations provided their perspectives. During that time, several key priorities emerged regarding CBD regulation within the framework of the Farm Bill:
- Clarity on THC Limits: One of the primary areas of contention revolves around THC thresholds in hemp-derived products. Establishing clear limits on THC content is essential for distinguishing between legal hemp products and illegal cannabis products. By defining acceptable THC levels, regulators can provide clarity to producers and consumers alike.
- Quality Assurance and Testing Standards: To ensure the safety and efficacy of hemp products, stringent quality assurance measures must be implemented. This includes comprehensive testing protocols to verify the potency and purity of CBD products. Standardized testing procedures will help prevent the proliferation of substandard and potentially harmful products in the market.
- Consumer Education and Awareness: In tandem with regulatory measures, efforts to educate consumers about the differences between CBD and THC are crucial. Providing accurate information about the effects and potential risks associated with hemp-derived products empowers consumers to make informed choices. Public awareness campaigns can dispel misconceptions and promote responsible consumption practices.
- Collaborative Oversight and Enforcement: Effective regulation requires collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities to enforce compliance and address regulatory violations. By coordinating efforts across different levels of government, regulators can streamline oversight processes and enhance enforcement capabilities.
As policymakers deliberate over the future of hemp regulation, stakeholders will need to engage in constructive dialogue to shape regulatory frameworks that promote both innovation and safety, say industry advocates.
By addressing concerns surrounding THC levels, implementing robust quality assurance measures, prioritizing consumer education, and fostering collaborative oversight, they say policymakers can navigate the complexities of the hemp debate and chart a course towards responsible regulation.
Future of Farm Bill, guidelines, regulations
Any change to hemp regulation is certainly months if not a year away, according to Dr. Joe Outlaw, an agriculture policy expert at Texas A&M University. He said the likelihood is high that lawmakers will not produce new Farm Bill legislation until well into 2025.
“There’s a little bit of rumblings that they want to get it done in 2024. I don’t expect it to be done in 2024 unless something wild happens after the election,” Outlaw told RFD TV, “and even then, if the House or Senate flips, it’s going to be enough change that I don’t think it will happen early in 2025, either.”
Whatever happens, the ongoing controversy around hemp regulation underscores the need for comprehensive and nuanced approaches to address the diverse challenges posed by the burgeoning hemp industry. By balancing regulatory oversight with industry growth and consumer protection, policymakers can harness the full potential of hemp while safeguarding public health and safety.
For more breaking news and information on cannabis, hemp, and CBD, visit 420CanNews.com.
–By 420CanNews Staff
Sources:
Farm Bill Debate Includes Hemp Regulation as Issue Takes Center Stage in Missouri Recall
https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/11/farm-bill-debate-includes-hemp-regulation-as-issue-takes-center-stage-in-missouri-recall/
South Carolina Bans CBD and Intoxicating Hemp Products as States Continue Crackdowns
https://hemptoday.net/south-carolina-bans-cbd-and-intoxicating-hemp-products-as-states-continue-crackdowns/
Hemp Industry Organizations Unite
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/news/hemp-industry-organizations-unite-7-key-objectives-2024-farm-bill/
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry – Reviewing the February 2024 Baseline for USDA Farm and Nutrition Programs
https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs
Farm Bill Extension Offers Mixed Blessings for US Hemp
https://www.greenmarketreport.com/farm-bill-extension-offers-mixed-blessings-for-us-hemp/
Late Legislation: Texas A&M expert says we may not get a Farm Bill until 2025
https://www.rfdtv.com/texas-a-m-expert-says-we-may-not-get-a-farm-bill-until-2025
