Today’s Action Does Not Go Far Enough to Protect Consumers, Says NPA
WASHINGTON, DC – Congress today punted on legislation to regulate the growing CBD industry and set a safe level of daily consumption. The conference report directs funding for research, policy evaluation, market surveillance and enforcement discretion related to CBD and hemp. Unlike legislation, the conference report does not have the force of law.
The Natural Products Association (NPA) supports legislation introduced by Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA) that would appropriate $100,000 for the FDA to perform a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) and set a safe level of CBD for consumers to use each day. The legislation passed the House of Representatives in June of this year and follows the same precedent as red yeast rice, which allows a natural product to contain a level of a drug ingredient that the FDA has determined to be safe.
“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,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA. “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.”
NPA’s advocacy this year advanced the dialogue around CBD safety and access in a way that we expect will continue to serve American consumers. These efforts included countless meetings and thousands of letters to Congress from our grassroots network of natural products industry advocates.
The urgent need to establish strong CBD safety standards and maintain access to responsibly produced CBD products continues to be a top priority for NPA. We will continue the fight to achieve this goal on behalf of consumers and our members.
NPA Actions on CBD:
- NPA led the legislative effort to secure language in the FY 2020 House Agriculture Appropriations bill to appropriate $100,000 for the FDA to perform an HHE and is leading a grassroots effort urging the Senate to act.
- On May 31, 2019, NPA testified at the FDA’s first public hearing on CBD.
- On March 14, 2019, NPA submitted official comments to the FDA concerning approaches to CBD regulation that will also help facilitate the discussion.
- On October 24, 2018, NPA sent a letter to FDA asking for regulatory leadership on CBD products.
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Natural Products Association
The Natural Products Association (NPA) is the trade association representing the entire natural products industry. We advocate for our members who supply, manufacture and sell natural ingredients or products for consumers. The Natural Products Association promotes good manufacturing practices as part of the growth and success of the industry. Founded in 1936, NPA represents over 1,000 members accounting for more than 10,000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. Visit www.npanational.org.
