New bill would allow hemp-derived CBD to be marketed as a dietary supplement

Photo © Shutterstock.com/ElRoi

Collin Peterson (D-MN), the House Agriculture Committee Chairman, introduced legislation designed to provide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the flexibility to allow hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) to be marketed in dietary supplements by including CBD in the definition of dietary supplements under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The bill also requires a study and report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the regulatory and market barriers for farmers engaged in hemp production.

“The last two Farm Bills were landmark successes for hemp, but we are still very early in this process, and growers need regulatory certainty,” said Peterson. “This bill will allow FDA to regulate CBD that comes from hemp as a dietary supplement, providing a pathway forward for hemp-derived products. It would also identify barriers to success for hemp farmers, informing growers and policy makers of the challenges facing this new industry.”

The bipartisan bill was cosponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), Rep. James Comer (R-KY) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME).