The legalization of hemp has been a hot topic in recent years, with many states taking steps to establish state-licensed hemp programs and promote hemp as an agricultural product. But what does this mean for hemp-derived products, such as CBD? In this article, we'll explore the legal status of hemp and the regulations surrounding hemp-derived products. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, making it legal to cultivate and produce hemp in the United States. This means that the federal government does not impose restrictions on the sale, transportation or possession of hemp-derived products, as long as those items are produced in a manner consistent with the law.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees hemp cultivation as the responsible federal regulatory agency. The Farm Bill guarantees that any cannabinoid, a set of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant and that are derived from hemp, will be legal, only if that hemp is produced in a manner consistent with the Farm Bill, associated federal regulations, state association regulations and by a producer authorized. State policymakers have considered several political issues: the definition of hemp, the licensing of producers, the regulation and certification of seeds, state commissions and the legal protection of producers. According to the USDA, eligible hemp producers may also be eligible for other programs, such as agricultural loans and participation in USDA conservation programs.
The National Hemp Production Program establishes federal regulatory oversight of hemp production in the United States. The FDA recognizes that three to five years is a long time to wait for regulatory clarity, especially given the great public interest in hemp products and, in particular, in CBD. Therefore, hemp products must meet applicable FDA requirements and standards, just like any other product regulated by the FDA. These safety measures help ensure that Americans have access to securely and accurately labeled hemp products and, in the case of drugs, that patients can trust the effectiveness of these products. It explicitly allows the transfer of hemp-derived products across state borders for commercial or other purposes. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss the FDA's role in regulating hemp products. In conclusion, thanks to Senator McConnell's efforts, hemp has been legalized in the United States.
This means that it is now legal to cultivate and produce hemp-derived products such as CBD. However, these products must meet applicable FDA requirements and standards just like any other product regulated by the FDA.
