Washington, D.C.—Congress yesterday failed to pass legislation that would appropriate $100,000 for FDA to perform a Health Hazard Evaluation on cannabidiol (CBD), instead creating a conference report that directs funding for research, policy evaluation, market surveillance, and enforcement discretion related to CBD and hemp. However, a conference report does not have the force of law, unlike legislation, notes a press release from the Natural Products Association (NPA).

The legislation that would appropriate $100,000 for the Health Hazard Evaluation was passed by the House in June this year, after being introduced by Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA).
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Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA, said in the release: “While providing funding for testing is a positive first step, unfortunately, today’s action falls short of what is needed to protect consumers. The future of the U.S. hemp industry and the farmers and producers who provide it are directly tied to smart regulations for CBD, which includes FDA establishing a safe level of consumption so consumers are protected. We are concerned that if Congress fails to act next year, then we could see another vaping-like public health crisis. While we are proud to be the only association to work on real legislation to regulate the CBD market, we are disappointed that Congress ultimately decided not to act. We appreciate the leadership of Congressman McNerney and look forward to working next year on a way to ensure consumers are protected.”