The House approved amendment in appropriations bill to fund health hazard evaluation of CBD

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The Natural Product Association (NPA; Washington, D.C.) reports that an amendment filed by Representative Jerry McNerney of California’s 9th congressional district to modify the House Agriculture appropriations bill “to include critical funds that would enable FDA to undertake the appropriate processes and set a safe level of CBD for consumers to use each day,” has been approved by the House of Representatives. More specifically, this amendment appropriates funds to perform a Health Hazard Evaluation that would ultimately set a safe use level for consumers. This process, says NPA, would follow the same steps FDA has used historically in exercising enforcement discretion on natural products that contain levels of an approved drug ingredient, the most notable instance being red yeast rice.

“We are proud to work with Congressman McNerney to pass this critical amendment that will provide consumers with the clarity and assurance that CBD products are safe,” said Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president, and CEO of NPA, in a press release.  “We look forward to working with members of both the House and the Senate to ensure to pass this important legislation for American consumers.”

NPA encourages industry’s continued advocacy by contacting one’s Senators and Representatives asking that they voice support for the amendment in the appropriations bill, as well as enforcement discretion by FDA to ensure American consumers have access to safe CBD products. While the amendment has been approved for inclusion, the bill itself must still pass both the House and Senate, and is still subject to change.