In the 2018 farm bill, hemp and its derivatives were broadly legalized, though it seemed to be a side effect of the legislation and not an intended purpose. The Farm Bill also accidentally legalized what is known as Delta 8 and Delta 10 cannabinoids derivatives, these are low potent THC derivatives like the well known Delta 9 THC, which gives marijuana users the signature high.
Last year, after a state backlash in trying to criminalize these low-THC content derivatives which can be easily purchased online, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress to recognize federal protections for the use of CBD and low-THC derivatives. Current federal law makes even the ingestion of CBD legally questionable, and it has been up to the states to regulate.
A new bipartisan bill with 19 co-signers, similar to last years, is being considered by committee.
‘The Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act’ would make hemp, cannabidiol derived from hemp, and any ingredients derived from hemp lawful for use under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as a dietary ingredient in a dietary supplement.
Congressional lawmakers have pressured the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adopt regulations that would provide for such marketing since hemp was federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. But so far, the agency has simply offered enforcement discretion guidance for these products while it continues to craft formal rules.
Two other bills introduced this session include one bill to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act and another to prevent the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from denying veterans benefits solely because they use medical marijuana in compliance with state law.
Comments / 11