NPA Works with NJ Lawmakers to Introduce Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC – The New Jersey Senate has introduced a resolution calling on “Congress and the President of the United States to establish a safe daily level of consumption of cannabidiol through legislation.” It will be heard in the New Jersey State Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee on Thursday, Nov. 14. New Jersey Senate Resolution No. 163 reads:
“Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that food additives or dietary supplements that contain cannabidiol are illegal under federal law. This is despite the fact that over 1,500 products that contain cannabidiol have arrived on the market without a clear approach from the FDA to regulate the products and ensure consumer safety. The lack of clear policy from the FDA and the patchwork regulation of substance by the states create a complex legal framework for companies that sell cannabidiol products for their operations. As a result, interstate commerce for national cannabidiol companies is difficult because banks, insurance companies, and merchant companies are uneasy about providing services to cannabidiol companies at the risk of involvement from the FDA. Therefore, the President and Congress of the United States should establish a safe daily level of consumption of cannabidiol because it would allow individuals to experience the medical benefits of cannabidiol products and generate economic activity by encouraging interstate commerce for cannabidiol companies.”
The full resolution can be viewed here. The resolution’s bipartisan co-prime sponsors are Deputy Minority Leader Senator Bob Singer (NJ-30-R) and Chairman of the State Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, Senator Joe Vitale (NJ-19-D).
“The states are starting to take action to regulate the growing CBD marketplace but unless we get clear federal guidelines and safety standards consumers are still going to be at risk. If Congress allows these products to go unregulated the public is at risk for another vaping-like health crisis. Inaction from the FDA is bad for public health, bad for the benefits CBD offers and bad for the hemp industry’s growth and job-creating potential,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D. President and CEO of NPA.
The Natural Products Association (NPA) worked with lawmakers in New Jersey to pass the resolution and is continuing to work with the U.S. Congress to pass legislation to set a safe level of consumption for CBD. The U.S. Senate is currently considering legislation passed by the House of Representatives 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 process would follow 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. With the exception of Epidiolex, all CBD products in the U.S. are considered illegal by the federal government.
Recent NPA Actions on CBD:
- Recently, NPA led a 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 Oct. 17, 2019, NPA published a poll that shows 70 percent of registered voters believe FDA should have already established safety standards for CBD products.
- 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
