Following a Biden administration memo to all federal agencies directing them to withdraw pending rules, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has withdrawn its "Cannabidiol Enforcement Policy; Draft Guidance for Industry." The Guidance was at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) awaiting review.
The memo explained that the action is part of President Biden's plan for managing the Federal regulatory process at the outset of his Administration in order to ensure that the President’s appointees or designees have the opportunity to review any new or pending rules.“CRN is of course disappointed that FDA has withdrawn this draft guidance from OMB," said Steve Mister, President & CEO, CRN, in a statement. "However, this development is not surprising as the new Administration is reevaluating all regulatory actions that were still in progress when the Presidency passed to President Biden. This is not an action directed specifically at CBD. Even so, this unexpected action presents a setback to long-overdue agency action on CBD regulation."
Looking ahead, Mister added, "CRN is reminded that we have new FDA staff to interact with and to make the case yet again why swift action from the agency is so critical to establish a legal pathway for CBD in dietary supplements. We look forward to working with the new Congress and new leadership at FDA to address their concerns and promote the interests of both consumers and our members to create a well-regulated, robust and vibrant supplement marketplace for CBD.”In its coverage, news sourceHemp Industry Dailyreportedthat an FDA spokeswoman said the agency “will work closely with the new administration to advance appropriate regulations and policies that are in line with the agency’s public health mission.”
