Sen. Wyden Introduces Federal Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act

Early Wednesday, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA), a bill which addresses the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation of cannabinoid products.

The CSRA seeks to establish national standards to protect public health and safety by:

• Instituting a minimum age requirement of 21 for hemp-derived cannabis products;

• Requiring that all hemp-derived products are tested for safety and are manufactured using clean and safe processes to improve product standards;

• Requiring processors and manufacturers to register with the FDA biannually;

• Outlining authority for the FDA to recall or ban any cannabis products with dangerous chemicals or additives;

• Establishing labeling and packaging rules, requiring truth in labeling; and

• Granting the FDA authority to promulgate additional rules on each of these fronts to regulate

The CSRA would also explicitly allow states to prohibit, limit or otherwise regulate hemp-derived products beyond the bill’s provisions.

Endorsements for the CSRA

The CSRA is endorsed by the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, the National Cannabis Industry Association, National Industrial Hemp Council, and hemp industry associations from California, Colorado, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, South Dakota, Virginia, and Texas.

It is co-sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

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“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.”

 - Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)

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What does the CSRA mean for the industry and your business?

For an in-depth expert analysis of the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA), including ramifications for your business moving forward, we encourage you to contact us.

Other Federal Attempts to Regulate Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

This bill comes amid controversy over the "Miller Amendment," another attempt to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids which Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), introduced this summer as an amendment to the 2024 Farm Bill.

It also follows a House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing during which the FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, James Jones, testified on the FDA's authority to regulate the sale of products containing THC, CBD, and other hemp derivatives. While providing testimony, Jones was consistently pressured to address whether or not the FDA has authority to regulate and seize hemp-related products, illuminating pressure by Congress for the FDA to take action. Our sister organization, Agricultural Hemp Solutions, covered the hearing here.

CSRA Elements

Bill Text

One-Pager

Section-by-Section

What do you think?

How do you feel about the proposed regulations? Do you have questions or concerns about how these changes would affect your business? We would love to hear from you.

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Have questions about the CSRA or other federal or state-level regulations and laws concerning hemp and other agricultural products?

Our expert team is happy to assist.

Please email us at info@earthlawllc.com