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States become hemp-friendly – Farm bill opens up growth potential of the CBD industry

Published on April 11, 2019 By Ivan Green

Hemp Oil

The passage of hemp-friendly farm bill in Congress has put pressure on several states to initiate and ramp up efforts to strengthen laws that support legal cannabis use. Despite the majority in motion of the bill, some legislators and lawmakers still perceive hemp as a public health threat such as South Dakota’s governor who recently vetoed lawmakers attempt to initiate hemp program in the state.

Although the federal government has given a green signal to develop hemp regulations, CBD producers and companies are still sceptic over the Food and Drug Administration’s policy related to CBD edibles and their guidance.

Meanwhile, some companies have already developed new line of edible products including beverages, gummies, candies, popcorn, etc. The FDA has announced a public hearing in May regarding the regulatory measures for CBD based products.

In a similar vein, the USDA has began the process of gathering information and extensive research for the commercial production of industrial hemp, including measures and provisions for federally regulated hemp production.

The agency said it plans to issue regulations by 2019 fall to accommodate the 2020 planting season. Several states plan to benefit from the newly regulated hemp laws and amp up their production to capture the consumer market.

California debates the benefits of CBD edibles

Health officials in California, the world’s largest marijuana marketplace, warned retailers that they are prohibited to add CBD in any edible product including food and beverages. According to the Health Department, CBD could only be bought from licensed dispensaries and be used only for medicinal purposes. However, like the rest of the states, California CBD retailers too seem to ignore the warnings and are just “getting away with it”.

In 2018, San Francisco officials sent warning letters to 1,900 businesses last year.Earlier this year, after the Farm Bill was passed, the San Francisco Health Department warned only two small retailers to stop selling CBD infused edible products.

New York embraces hemp, struggles with CBD edibles
The Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program was launched in New York in 2015. The program allowed a limited number of educational institutions to grow and research industrial hemp and its characteristics. In 2016, the state modified the hemp rules and authorized the distribution, transportation, processing and sales of industrial hemp.

In 2017, the lawmakers incorporated more vendors and participants including farmers and businesses. Despite the fact that the state officials had given a green light to food growers and processors to produce and sell CBD infused food and drinks, New York City health inspectors have warned small cafes selling CBD infused foods and drinks to cease sales.

While vendors argue that the federal law allows CBD products, the police officials tend to rely on the Food and Drug Administration rules. The FDA announced that it would hold a public hearing in May to discuss regulatory measures of hemp derived CBD.

Lawmakers are hoping to clear the air as soon as possible, are working up the legislation which could end up the confusion, possibly by August or later this year.

Texas relaxes restrictions on CBD

Recently, a district attorney in Fort Worth declared that CBD is illegal, prompting law enforcement officials to raid two shops and seize their CBD products. Only few days ago, the Texas Department of State Health Services removed hemp and CBD from its list of controlled substances.

This made the purchase of CBD oil legal in the state, the bill however still prohibits farming of hemp. The new law is quite contrary to the conservative Texas, which has always had stringent regulations against marijuana.

North Carolina expands hemp pilot program

According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, CBD foods and drinks are illegal in the state. The department warned several businesses notifying them that it is illegal to incorporate CBD in foods, drinks and animal feeds.

Lawmakers in North Carolina expanded their hemp pilot program to take advantage of the Farm Bill. Previously hemp was grown under the state’s pilot program in 222 acres which has now increased up to 8,000 acres in just 2 years.

Source: https://thecannabisradar.com/cbd-industry/695/